The Senate has commenced actions to prohibit the daytime travel of heavy-duty vehicles i.e large trucks, fuel tankers, and trailers nationwide. Their operations will now be between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am.
A legislation titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, to Limit the Daytime Travel of Heavy Vehicles and for Related Matters” was presented for the first time yesterday in the Senate.
This bill, backed by Senator Ned Nwoko, APC, Delta North, aims to confine the activities of heavy vehicles to the hours between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 am, with exceptions for emergencies.
Proposed Penalties:
– Individual Offenders: Fine of ₦500,000
– Corporate Offenders: Fine of ₦5,000,000
– Vehicle Confiscation: Seized for a maximum of 30 days
Provisions exist for vehicles transporting vital goods, such as medical provisions, or operating in the interest of public emergencies.
The intent of the bill is to tackle the alarming rate of accidents linked to heavy-duty vehicles, alleviate traffic jams, and protect lives and assets.
According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), articulated vehicles, tankers, and trailers were accountable for 3,200 fatalities between 2015 and 2018, with Nigeria incurring losses exceeding ₦39 billion due to tanker and trailer-related accidents in 2018 alone.
Senator Nwoko emphasized the turmoil on Nigerian roads caused by fuel tankers, cement haulage trucks, and trailers transporting hazardous materials, competing with passenger vehicles during peak hours, resulting in lethal accidents and significant economic harm.
The bill will advance to a second reading, where the sponsor will outline its general principles before moving to a stage for public hearing.