The Federal Road Safety Corps has intensified enforcement of traffic laws in Cross River State, securing the conviction of 153 motorists within six months as part of renewed efforts to curb road indiscipline and reduce accidents.
The Cross River State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Innocent Etuk, disclosed in Calabar that 157 motorists were arraigned before mobile courts between June and December, with 153 convicted and four discharged. He said four mobile court sessions were conducted within the period under review.
Etuk explained that the mobile court initiative was designed to check the excesses of motorists and serve as a deterrent to traffic violations, especially during periods of heavy vehicular movement. According to him, traffic volume usually increases towards the end of the year as people travel across the state for festive celebrations, a situation that often leads to a rise in traffic infractions.
He noted that offences such as overloading and attempts to bribe road safety personnel accounted for most of the convictions recorded. The sector commander revealed that from July to date, the command documented over 384 cases of motorists attempting to corrupt FRSC operatives while on duty.
Overloading, he added, has remained a major challenge, particularly in the last quarter of the year, with some vehicles found to be grossly overloaded beyond safe limits. Etuk said the situation poses a serious risk to lives and property on the state’s highways.
Looking ahead, the FRSC boss said the command envisions a Cross River where road users strictly obey traffic rules, supported by improved public awareness and a clear shift in attitudes towards road safety. He urged drivers, passengers and pedestrians to take responsibility for their safety at all times.
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On preparations for the Calabar Carnival, Etuk assured residents that the command has adequate capacity to manage traffic, noting that FRSC officers are working in collaboration with other security and traffic agencies to ensure smooth movement throughout the festivities.
He also addressed concerns over drivers’ licences and vehicle documentation, stating that all outstanding backlogs of drivers’ licences have been cleared and distributed to the states. However, he disclosed that about 5,196 licences remain unclaimed in Cross River State, calling on the Board of Internal Revenue to intensify public awareness campaigns to encourage applicants to collect their licences.
Etuk said the command’s primary focus in the coming year would be to ensure free flow of traffic across the state, while he commended the Cross River State Government for providing a supportive working environment for the FRSC.
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