THE Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) has announced its plan to begin full enforcement of traffic regulations from July 1, following a statewide sensitization campaign targeting key stakeholders on road usage and public space management.
The campaign, which spanned three days, saw DESTMA engaging market women, tricycle riders, tipper drivers, and others across Ughelli North, Udu, Warri, Effurun, and Sapele.
The Director-General of DESTMA, Hon. Benjamin Okiemute, emphasized the agency’s commitment to restoring order and safety on the roads through collaboration with other sister agencies.
As part of road traffic laws to be enforced, Okiemute warned that all motorcycle riders and their passengers must wear helmets, while tricycle operators will no longer be allowed to install extensions on their vehicles or transport heavy goods, from July 1.
He also highlighted the issue of illegal parking and called on both tricycle and vehicle operators to relocate from unauthorized spots or approach their local government chairmen for approval of parking spaces.
Additionally, the DESTMA directed market traders to stop displaying goods on pedestrian walkways and insisted that all banks and churches must provide proper parking facilities for their customers and members to reduce road obstruction.
Okiemute made it clear that any violation of these laws will attract strict penalties with offenders to appear before mobile courts, risking up to six months in jail. According to him, any individual found assaulting a DESTMA official will face the wrath of the Delta State Government.
