The Anambra state government has prohibited hawking and loading of vehicles on the Niger bridge.
As Christmas season approaches, authority of the Anambra road traffic maintenance agency ( ARTMA) took the step in order to reduce the huge traffic, when holiday makers begin to travel to their homes.
A press release by the PRO ARTMA, Mrs Nkem Umeadi stated that the agency has noted that the bridge had become a loading bay for motorists and hawkers.
Umeadi further explained that passengers who move around the bridge waiting for vehicles, instead of going to the parks, would be arrested.
The release urged that commercial vehicles doors must be kept closed once outside the park to avoid passengers alighting or entering the vehicles.
It reads, “Henceforth, it is an offence for anyone to wait, walk or trade on the bridge, except on the pedestrian pathways.
” All vehicles are henceforth mandated to pick up and drop passengers only in the major parks besides Ogbo- Abada market or government – Designated parks in the area.
“Double yellow lines have also been marked on the road in the area. Any commercial vehicles (including shuttles and keke) picking up or dropping passengers anywhere along the express will be impounded for 7 days – Strict fine applied.
Everything, everything.