As the festive season draws near, the Anambra Road Traffic Maintenance Agency (ARTMA) has taken a firm stance by imposing a ban on hawking and loading of vehicles on the Niger Bridge. This crucial decision comes as the bridge frequently encounters heavy traffic, particularly during the Christmas period when holidaymakers embark on journeys back to their hometowns.
Despite the recent unveiling of the Second Niger Bridge, the congestion on the first bridge continues unabated, prompting the intervention by ARTMA.
Mrs. Nkem Umeadi, the public relations officer of ARTMA, affirmed in a press release that the agency has observed the bridge being utilized as a loading area for motorists, with hawkers swarming around the vicinity.
Furthermore, she emphasised that individuals loitering around the bridge in anticipation of catching vehicles, instead of utilising designated parks, will face arrest.
“Henceforth, it is an offense for anyone to wait, walk, or trade on the bridge (motorway) except on the pedestrian pathway on the sides of the bridge (appropriate signs have been installed),” stated Mrs. Umeadi.
She continued, “All commercial vehicles are henceforth mandated to pick up and drop passengers ONLY in the major park beside Ogbo Abada Market or government-designated parks in the area.”
Furthermore, stringent measures have been implemented, including the marking of double yellow lines on the road in the area. Any commercial vehicle, including shuttles and keke, found picking up or dropping passengers along the expressway will be impounded for 7 days, accompanied by strict fines.
The press release also stressed that all commercial vehicle doors must remain closed once outside the park to deter passengers from haphazardly boarding or disembarking, as officers will be vigilant in enforcing this regulation.
