Ugwuanyi places indefinite ban on traffic fines

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has ordered the indefinite extension of the ban on the collection of fines for traffic offences by officials of government in the state.

The ban followed public outcry by residents over the activities of various traffic officials in the State.

A statement signed by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Louis Amoke, stated that the governor’s directive was contained in a communiqué at the end of the State Executive Council meeting, which was presented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Godwin Udeuhele.

The statement disclosed that the governor opted for the extension to enable the state more time to conclude its plans to streamline the activities of enforcers of traffic laws in the state as well understudy the models of traffic operations in Lagos state and other state across the country for a comprehensive approach towards innovative regulatory measures that would guarantee peace and give the people a sense of belonging.

The earlier ban expired at the end of October, hence the directive to extend it indefinitely.

It would be recalled that Governor Ugwuanyi in a swift response to the persistent complaints of extortion, undue hardship and incessant harassments, road users as well as visitors to the state were subjected to by individuals in the guise of enforcement of traffic laws, early last month, ordered the immediate suspension of the collection of fines for traffic offences in Enugu Capital Territory, for a period of one month.

The governor stated that such practices were inimical to his administration’s efforts to sustain the peaceful and serene environment of the state and his promise to provide good governance to the people of the state and make their lives better.

He frowned at the N25,000 fine being collected as punishment for a traffic offence, stressing that “a situation where for example, a civil servant who may be earning about N25,000 a month, is asked to pay the same amount as punishment for a traffic offence” was totally unacceptable.

The statement further noted that the governor was committed to the full implementation of the directive and a reform programme that would guarantee a free accident and orderly transportation system in the state.

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