No fewer than 33 motorists, mostly commercial drivers, were on Monday tried and convicted by the Federal Road Safety Commission mobile court in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The court, however, discharged two drivers, while those convicted went through some minutes of enlightenment on road safety.
The offences of the convicted drivers included overloading, seat belt violation, driving without valid driver’s licence, reckless driving and driving against traffic.
Sunday Ajayi, the Anambra State FRSC Sector Commander, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the trial was part of “Operation Restore Sanity in Roads in Anambra State.”
Ajayi said the operation was meant to check motorists in Onitsha and its environs who were notorious for driving against traffic.
Ajayi said: “Most times the best way to enlighten motorists is by enforcement.
“The mobile court here is not only enforcing the rules and regulations governing the usage of the road but also interpreting them to the offenders.
“I know some commercial drivers, who faced the magistrate and paid the stipulated fines would have a lot to tell their colleagues in the park and their various loading points.
“FRSC will support Gov. Willie Obiano’s vision in making Anambra roads safer for all.”
One of the convicts, Simon Madu, said he was unaware that the passenger sitting on the front seat did not put on his seat belt.
Madu said: “I have learnt and I would make it compulsory that any passenger seating in the front must put on his or her seat belt or I would not convey him.”
NAN.
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