Anambra Bans Use Of Motorcycles, Tricycles On Highways

From Ignatius Okpara, Awka – The Governor Willy Obiano, led government in Anambra state, has banned the operation of private and commercial motorcycles as well as tricycles from major highways in the state, with effect from June 1, 2015.

Dr. Uju Nwogu, Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, made this known to newsmen in Awka, the state capital.

Our Correspondent recalled that Operators of the banned cycles in the state had recently warned against dire consequences of the government action, when the news was making the rounds.

The government statement reads: “All motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state will from next week Monday, June 1, be barred from plying the Enugu-Onitsha highway, as well as Arthur Eze Avenue and Zik’s Avenue in Awka.

“Similarly, it will be illegal for all motorcycles, either private or commercial, to ply the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway, Awka Road, Borromew-Upper Iweka-Bridge Head road, Old and New Market roads and Oguta Road, all in Onitsha.

“In Nnewi, they are prohibited from the Nnewi-Nnobi road and Nnewi-Oba road.

“All commuters, who must ply these restricted roads are by this announcement, advised to use tricycles or the taxis and buses provided by the state government and other commercial vehicle owners,” the statement warned.

While insisting that the law enforcement agencies would ensure strict compliance to this directive, the government also warned that any operator caught violating the directive would have their motorcycles or tricycles impounded.

The statement hinted that a fine of N5,000 for motorcycles and N10,000 for tricycles, for first offenders, would be paid to retrieve such impounded motorcycles or tricycles.

It therefore, warned that subsequent arrest for a second violation of the directive would attract outright confiscation of the motorcycle or tricycle by the state government.

The statement also warned motorcycle operators in the state to desist from carrying more than one passenger on a trip.