The Enugu State Government has commenced full enforcement of a ₦500,000 penalty for motorists caught driving against traffic, as part of measures aimed at tackling reckless driving and reducing road accidents across the state.
Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, disclosed this during an interview in Enugu, stressing that the administration would no longer tolerate one-way driving on roads within the state.
According to him, the decision followed repeated cases of fatal accidents caused by motorists ignoring traffic regulations despite massive investments in road infrastructure.
Ozor said the government had spent huge sums constructing modern roads, dual carriageways and medians to improve traffic flow, yet some drivers continued to violate basic road safety rules.
He pointed to locations such as Abakpa and the Penoks area where motorists allegedly defy clearly marked lanes and medians by driving against oncoming traffic.
The commissioner explained that the enforcement would cover all parts of the state, warning that violators risk immediate seizure of their vehicles in addition to the hefty fine.
He lamented the growing number of deaths recorded on roads considered safe and well maintained, describing the trend as avoidable and disturbing.
Beyond the financial penalty, Ozor revealed that offenders would also be subjected to psychiatric examination to determine whether drug use or mental health issues contributed to their behaviour.
He added that recommendations from the evaluation process could include rehabilitation before affected motorists would be allowed to retrieve their impounded vehicles after settling the fine.
According to him, the policy is designed primarily to protect lives rather than generate revenue for the government.
The commissioner urged motorists to remain patient while driving, obey traffic lights and follow approved routes instead of risking lives through dangerous shortcuts.
He disclosed that the state government had intensified public awareness campaigns in partnership with transport unions and media organisations to educate drivers on the dangers of one-way driving.
Ozor also said meetings had recently been held with operators of taxis, buses, tricycles, tankers and tippers to reinforce compliance with traffic regulations.
He maintained that strict enforcement would continue until motorists fully embraced road discipline and safer driving habits across Enugu State.
