4 days ago
15
Traffic management in the nation’s capital scored a bulls eye after the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) launched an electronic ticketing and central booking system for traffic offenders.
The announcement was made by DRTS Director Dr. Abdullateef Bello.
According to him, the initiative aims to enhance traffic enforcement and road safety through technology that automatically detects violations and issues electronic tickets within minutes, eliminating the need for random vehicle stops.
The rollout follows a Federal High Court ruling on October 3, 2024, which prohibited DRTS from impounding vehicles, stopping motorists, or imposing fines.
While DRTS is appealing the ruling, Bello emphasized that the new system complies with existing laws under the Federal Capital Territory Transportation Secretariat.
Offenders will have seven days to pay fines, with non-compliance potentially leading to penalties upon vehicle license renewal. Motorists may also appeal tickets.
To ensure effective implementation, enforcement officers have been trained and a simulation exercise conducted. This electronic ticketing initiative aims to minimize direct interactions between officers and motorists while improving adherence to traffic regulations in Abuja.
The landmark court ruling was delivered by Justice Evelyn Maha after human rights activist Abubakar Marshal argued against the DRTS’s powers to stop and fine vehicles without legal authority.
Justice Maha deemed such actions unlawful and issued a perpetual injunction against them.
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