FRSC impounds 531 trucks for various offences in 6 weeks

The Lagos State Sector Command, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), has arrested and impounded 531 trucks for operating below Road Transport Safety Standards Scheme (RTSSS) between Aug. and Sept. 16.

The Corps Commander, Lagos State Sector Command, Mr Olusegun Ogunbemide, said this after engaging in sensitisation and operation show your strength held between Cele Mile 2 axis of Lagos on Wednesday.

Ogunbemide said that the Lagos sector of the corps arrested and impounded 531 trucks for operating below (RTSSS), adding that they would ensured that they give reasonable reasons for their offenses before being released.

He mentioned some of the RTSSS such as speed devise, vehicle documents, standards tyres, locking of containers and driver licenses were committed by the 531 truck drivers.

He explained that the outing was part of their preparedness towards peak of the year, which is the ember months, where there would be hazards and increase in vehicular movement.

The sector Commander stressed the need to sensitise the truck drivers, especially the articulated vehicle drivers, while the outing showcased corps capability and capacities to curtail the excesses of the truck drivers.

“We want the truckers to have change of heart, to be aware that we are set and ready to protect the motorists.

“While the parade show was ongoing I was in a meeting with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority on the continuation of our collaboration in line with with keeping the road free for motorists.

“We want the truckers and drivers to know that we are ready to match the excesses of reckless drivers on the highway.

“Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of crashes in the country nosedive because of the free road, remember that truckers were allowed to move free due to their essentials service delivery,” Ogunbemide said.

He, however, urged drivers who were not able to meet up with RTSSS requirements to stop plying Nigerian roads, adding that officers were ready to match them if they refuse to comply.

During inspection to Mile Tin-can Route, the Head of Operations, FRSC Lagos, Mr Cyril Matthew, ran into a 30-year-old Truck driver, Ifeayin Arinze, who was driving 40ft container truck with fake driver license.

Matthew seized the fake license and told him to obtain original before moving on the road again.

He, however, handover, the driver to officer on Mile 2 axis to ensure he obtained genuine driver license before plying the road.

Arinze, who work with The Lord is my Strength Company, pleaded guilty, adding that he intended to process original license from Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), after achieving his first trip to the Eastern part of country.