Fides Media Living the Faith
By Mmaduabuchi Onwumelu
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency, ARTMA, Enginner Emeka Okonkwo, has released the agency’s Code of conduct to the motorists as well as members of the public.
In a statement signed by the ARTMA Boss and made available to newsmen in Awka , he enjoined the commercial vehicle drivers and private car owners to desist forthwith from driving against traffic.
He urged road users in Anambra to help ARTMA actualized the desire of Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, of building a prosperous and livable homeland, where motorists would freely drive into Anambra, move around without gridlocks and also drive out without hassle when required.
‘Road users are advised to strictly adhere to road signs as negligence isn’t an excuse. Familiarize yourselves with all road signs.
‘It is an offence to stop or park your vehicle within 50 (fifty) meteres of a junction or roundabout, even where there are no road signs.
‘Route violations (one -way) is next to murder and attracts a non-negotiable fine of N50,000 (fifty thousand naira) and a clearance from a psychiatric home.
‘For emergency or to answer calls, motorists are allowed to pull over to the shoulder of the major roads with hazard lights or caution signs placed.
‘Commercial drivers are only allowed to pickup or drop off passengers at designated motor parks or loading bays/positions as provided by ARTMA. It is an offence to drop off or pick up passengers where the NO PARKING signs are fixed.
‘Drivers of all contravened vehicles have the right to ask for the video of their offence as no officer is allowed to impound a vehicle without a well detailed video.
‘It is an offence to resist officers when asked to drive to the office. Freely drive your car to the office, ask for the video of your offence and call the customer care number if you feel innocent.
‘Ensure you pay into the appropriate Government IGR accounts as stated in our contravention note or make a cash payment, but in both cases, a proper receipt from ARTMA indicating the duty room officer’s name, phone number, signature and amount paid MUST be issued. Attempting to bribe officers on the road attracts extra fine.
‘You should insist for receipt for ALL payments done. Call the customer care numbers if the duty room officers fails to issue you such receipts
‘Vehicles, especially articulated ones that breakdown on the major roads must be towed IMMEDIATELY so as not to obstruct other road users. You have a grace time to fix your vehicles if it breaks down on the road but this depends on how busy the road is. ( Maximum of 1hour) Caution signs are mandatory.
‘ Trading is not allowed on any road. All trading activities MUST be done behind the drainages. Offender’s goods will be permanently confiscated
‘ Always take note of the unique numbers on the vest and caps of officers. This will help direct the customer care officers when you call in. ARTMA OFFICE NUMBERS- 08081953091 Or 08144228836.