FRSC Cautions Transporters Against Loading On Niger Bridge

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The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Anambra on Tuesday warned transporters against loading of passengers and goods on the Niger Bridge, Onitsha.
The FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Adeoye Irelewuyi, gave the warning during a visit to the leadership of the Road Transport Employers’ Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Anambra chapter, in Onitsha.
He said that the measure was to avoid putting undue pressure on the bridge.
According to the official, continuous loading at the foot of the bridge, notwithstanding repeated warnings, is not only obstructing free flow of traffic but also putting unnecessary pressure on it.
“The Niger Bridge is over 50 years and has borne heavy load on daily basis. Transporters loading passengers on the bridge pose serious threat.
“Transporters can help reduce the pressure on the bridge if they desist from loading passengers on it,” he said.
Irelewuyi also cautioned motorists against speeding and night journeys, especially during the `ember’ months.
“As we begin our ember months campaign, we are cautioning motorists against speeding and making night journeys, which is the theme of the sensitisation.
“We are emphasising on speed because from our data we observed that more than 61 per cent of road traffic crashes are caused by `over speeding’.
“When a vehicle goes above the safe speed limit, the manner the driver is supposed to control the vehicle reduces and the tendency to lose control at the slightest obstruction is very close.
“When you travel at night, the possibility of getting help in case of breakdown or crash is reduced.
“People may not want to stop to assist in the event of a crash, which increases fatalities,” he said.
Irelewuyi urged the association to cooperate with the Corps to ensure safety on the roads.
Responding, Mr Joseph Nwabueze, state Chairman, RTEAN, noted that his team would not relent in ensuring that the bridge was rid of all forms of obstructions.
He decried the nuisance being constituted by the tricycle operators who plied highways in the state, particularly in the state capital.
“Despite being banned from plying the highway, the Keke (tricycle) operators still violate the law and even drive against the traffic.
“Until the second Niger Bridge is completed, we will keep ensuring free flow of traffic on the old bridge,” he stated.

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