In keeping with its resolve to clean up the Tricycle (Keke) and Motorcycle (Okada) commercial transport system in Nigeria from criminals and untrained users, the Federal Road safety Corps (FRSC) has given operators up to 1st August, 2019, to register their machines with Vehicles Licensing Authority and get their genuine plate number fixed.
The Corps also added that effective the given date, all operators without the class “A” drivers license will be impounded for doing their business illegally.
Corps Public Education Officer, Bisi Kazeem, in a statement made it clear that the Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi has ordered the clampdown on riders of motorcycles and tricycles without class A rider licence saying that the action is in tandem with the provisions of Section 10 Sub Section 4(h) and (i)of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007.
Kazeem explained that in order to ensure an easy process of acquisition of the number plates and the Class “A” Drivers license, the Corps Marshal has notified Motor Licensing Authorities (MLAs) across the country to make the processes less cumbersome for applicants so that motorcycle and tricycle operators can have a smooth and hitch free process of acquisition of the Uniform Licensing Scheme Products.
The statement quoted the Corps Marshal as saying, that applicants who desire to acquire fresh class “A” License must first present themselves for driving test at the Vehicle Inspection Office before advancing to the capturing unit for continuation of the process.
While averring that “FRSC is not ready to take excuses any more as far as Class ‘A’ License and number plate registration are concerned,” the Corps Public Education Officer added that “All tricycle and motorcycle operators must be licensed before they could be allowed to operate so as to enhance established processes for fishing out untrained and unqualified drivers on the roads.” “The growing reports of crimes associated with motorcycles and tricycles have made the clampdown imperative so that the successes already recorded by the Corps through the proactive deployment of the National Vehicle Identification Scheme, especially in the area of national security Intelligence would not be undermined.
Business Hilights recalls that the Corps Marshal had earlier issued an express directive to FRSC Commanding Officers nationwide, mandating them to engage the relevant stakeholders and associations on the proposed clampdown. Corps Public Education Officers have equally been directed to carry out rigorous and extensive advocacies to sensitize the riders on the need to register their motorcycles and tricycles.
Accordingly, effective August 1, 2019, the general public is by this information advised to desist from patronizing motorcycles and tricycles without number plates as they stand the risk of being exposed to safety and security hazards associated with criminals using tricycles and motorcycles to perpetrate their nefarious acts.