The Federal Capital Territory’s Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) has seized 9,389 vehicles for various traffic offences over the past eight months.
News About Nigeria reports that Mr. Kalu Emetu, Head of Public Relations and Enlightenment, disclosed this information in an interview with NAN in Abuja on Tuesday.
Emetu stated that when vehicles are confiscated, drivers are typically redirected to the Lugbe model drivers’ institute for rehabilitation, providing an opportunity for those without formal driving education to learn safe driving practices within the territory.
“Also, apart from paying fines, which is revenue generation for the government, they are made not to have control of the vehicles until they fulfil the stipulated conditions,” he said.
“And oftentimes, they are subjected to a psychometric test, and in the worst scenario, they are made to even go for psychoanalysis.
“This is to prove whether or not the driver is still fit to be on the road.
“In extreme cases, officers may revoke a driver’s licence if they pose a threat to other road users, following a thorough assessment.”
The DRTS has also addressed the issue of unfit vehicles, inspecting 19,929 vehicles between January and August.
“Out of these, 9,234 passed the roadworthiness test, accounting for 47%, while 10,792 required additional maintenance.
“All these exercises took place between January and August and represent a remarkable improvement compared to what it used to be in the past.
“The reason for this improvement is the strategic increase in enforcement activities, which has made more vehicle owners to patronise the inspection centres,” Mr. Emetu noted.
He said that the inspection centres were located in different parts of the city for easy access by drivers, adding that roadworthy vehicles go a long way to reducing road crashes.
