BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
IN a bid to restore order and ensure safety of motorists and pedestrians, the Delta State Government has commenced a clampdown on roadside trading and illegal parking.
Enforcement will begin in earnest in Summit road, Koka roundabout in Asaba and several other locations across the state.
This decision was announced by the Director-General, Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA), Hon. Benjamin Okiemute, during the flag-off of a public sensitization programme, aimed at enlightening road users and the general public about the action.
The state government said it was aimed at addressing growing concerns over traffic congestion and public safety. Okiemute, who led the sensitization campaign, noted that the government would no longer tolerate activities that obstruct traffic flow or contribute to public disorder. He stressed that the policy was an essential part of the government’s commitment to improving the state’s traffic management system , urban planning, and overall public safety.
The sensitization programme, which spanned across major cities and towns such as Asaba, Warri, Ughelli, Udu, Agbor, and Sapele, was specifically designed to inform both motorists, including tricycle operators, and street traders about the new regulations.
Okiemute acknowledged the livelihood needs of street traders but emphasized that when these activities were carried out improperly, they cause significant disruptions to traffic and pose safety risks. “Illegal parking and roadside trading have become major challenges in our cities, leading to traffic bottlenecks and environmental hazards. We can no longer allow this to continue,” he said.
He also warned that anyone found violating the new regulations would face legal consequences. “Violators will be publicly paraded to face the law,” he added, stressing that the government’s firm stance on enforcement.
He announced that tricycles should not ply highways, should not carry more passengers than the manufacturer-recommended capacity, and must avoid using welded extensions or curtains.
Furthermore, he highlighted that any driver found smoking or drinking while driving, as well as any motorist carrying toddlers in the front seat, would be charged under the law.
The new directives, according to him, reflected the state’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and improve traffic management and warned that vehicles parked in unauthorized areas would be towed at the owner’s expense, while those engaged in roadside trading would face arrest and legal action.
Both motorists and traders, who violate the new regulations will also face fines and other penalties. In a bid to ensure compliance, the government has given a two-week grace period for all motorists and roadside traders to vacate areas obstructing traffic movement, after which mobile courts will be set up for violators.
He noted that the Delta State Government was also committed to collaborating with sister agencies and deploying additional traffic enforcement officers to ensure compliance. ”These officers will be equipped with the necessary tools to monitor adherence to the new regulations. In addition, the government has launched hotlines and online platforms to allow the public to report instances of illegal parking or trading, empowering residents to actively participate in the enforcement process”.
Okiemute explained that the government’s efforts were motivated by a desire to protect public spaces, maintain cleanliness, and ensure a safer environment for all. He pointed out that illegal roadside trading often leads to waste accumulation, which further strains the state’s limited infrastructure.
“Similarly, illegal parking creates obstacles for emergency services and contributes to traffic bottlenecks, making it increasingly difficult for people to move around efficiently”.
The DG urged residents to cooperate with the new regulations and respect designated spaces for both parking and trade, reassuring citizens that the government remains committed to further infrastructural improvements, such as road expansion projects and the installation of surveillance cameras, to better monitor and manage traffic across the state.
