The Kogi government on Saturday announced a ban on the use of motorcycles and tricycles on the state’s highways.

The government also said mobile courts have been constituted to prosecute defaulters of the new order expected to take effect on January 17.

Commissioner for Transportation, Baron Joseph-Okwoli, said the restriction was to tackle the spate of accidents and ensure free flow of traffic.

“The restriction was part of far-reaching decisions made after extensive stakeholders’ meetings on Wednesday and Friday to address the issue of incessant accidents and the need for free flow of traffic on Kogi township roads,” Mr Joseph-Okwoli said.

“The stakeholders’ meeting and deliberations were in tandem with the policy of the Ministry of Transport to strategise and map out plans and programmes to ensure smooth operations by road users and safety of commuters,” he added.

He stressed that every tricycle must be coded and branded in line with the designated area of operation before plying the highways again.

“All tricycle operators must guide against overloading, speeding and must ensure that their left sides are barricaded with iron rod to guide against an accidental fall on the road,” the commissioner said.

Also, Mr Joseph-Okwoli stated that operators must ensure that both side mirrors are firmly fixed and all valid documents are produced on demand for inspection.

Similarly, articulated long vehicles operating within the state have been directed by the government to observe minimal speed limits in driving around residential areas.

He enjoined the motorists to strictly comply with rules guiding road usage and to co-operate with law enforcement agencies and officers for safety on the highways.

(NAN)