FRSC Ignores NURTW Plea, Goes Ahead With Oct. 1 Enforcement Of Speed Limiter

The NURTW had last week called for the postponement of the commencement date, stating that its members could not afford the device due to the current economic hardship plaguing the nation.

However, in an interview with journalist on Tuesday, the Corp Marshall insisted on the October 1st commencement date as he assured motorists that the idea was not to confiscate unruly vehicles.

He stated this shortly after a workshop with FRSC zonal commanders, with the theme, “Change begins with you: Implications of the dynamics of change for zonal commanding officers.”

He said the objective of the exercise was to curb road traffic crashes and save lives, adding that the enforcement will commence with high scale capacity with inter-city commercial buses and trucks.

The FRSC boss stressed that he had no control over the price of the speed limiting device, noting that it was being distributed by firms approved by various government agencies.

Oyeyemi explained that the commercial drivers have been well i9nformed on the enforcement date, s according to him had been conveyed to them through their union leaders who he said endorsed and also supported the initiative.

He however assured them that the corps would meet with their leaders next week for a review, stressing that the speed limiting device was not meant for intra-city taxis and buses alone.

“The enforcement is not a matter of life and death; it is a gradual process. We are fully aware of the prevailing economic situation, it is a gradual process,” the FRSC boss said.

“Speed is actually killing many people in Nigeria and most accidents have been attributed to speed. This is worrisome. It’s a gradual process. Come October 1, there is no going back. It’s not as if I want to impound the vehicles.”

Mr. Oyeyemi stated that the corps recorded increased road traffic crashes in the South-West, adding that many crashes were recorded during the last Sallah celebration along Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure axis.

Oyeyemi said, “We have just seen a new dimension during this last festive period now; the crash pattern had shifted again to the South-West. Most of the crashes recorded during the last festive period were along Ibadan-Ife-Ilesa-Akure.

“The dynamics is for me to re-focus on the South-Western part of the country. That is my challenge which means I have to relocate again some of my personnel to ensure we stem it. The dynamics is that I must continually review what is happening.”