By Jude Michael
The Anambra Road Transport Management Agency (ARTMA), has completed the installation of the ‘’NO PARKING, TOW ZONE’’ signs, aimed at completely decongesting the service lanes in Onitsha for commercial bus and tricycle riders as promised.
Engr. Emeka-Konti Okonkwo, MD/CEO of ARTMA, who expressed happiness at the level of compliance just a few hours after the installation, said he observed car owners moving out their cars to nearby parks for fear of being impounded by ARTMA, explaining that it was wrong to park on the service lane as it would make it difficult for other road users to access the area.
According to him, the blue and white Asaba bus drivers and keke riders have been relocated to better places away from major junctions.
‘We will use this week to follow up with our service lane decongestion and start enforcement on March 11, 2024.
‘Commercial vehicles can only run on the express if they are not picking or dropping passengers. Access the service lane whenever you have the need to drop or pick a passenger.
‘The agency has inaugurated the ARTMA NIGHT SHIFT officers to help checkmate the reckless attitude of drivers once it is 5pm. These drivers know that the agency closes by 5pm, so they take advantage of that to drive against traffic.
‘Shuttle bus drivers and keke riders, most especially, drive against the traffic from Bridge Head Onitsha down to Upper Iweka, and this act has led to the loss of several lives.
‘This should also serve as a stern warning to such reckless drivers as anyone apprehended would face the consequence,’ the ARTMA boss said.
The team went on a project inspection tour with Governor Soludo around Anambra North Senatorial Zone.
