Motorists in Kaduna have decried the continuous violation of traffic regulations through one-way driving in parts of the metropolis.
A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey conducted across motor parks in the metropolis indicated that the trend, if not checked, could lead to devastating consequences.
Speaking with NAN, a tricycle rider, Mr Abdulmajid Dahiru, said the practice was gradually becoming common, especially on roads leading into the metropolis where traffic officers were not stationed.
He recounted an encounter in which a vehicle drove against traffic in his lane, forcing him to move aside to avoid a collision.
“I had to move away to avoid an accident or a confrontation on the road,” he said.
A vulcanizer, Mr Ola Abayomi, whose shop is located beside a major road, said he often cautioned motorists attempting to drive against traffic, but they rarely complied.
“Even if the government deploys traffic officers to strategic locations, some citizens will still disobey traffic regulations,” Abayomi said.
“The officers cannot remain on the roads 24 hours a day, which means motorists will continue to drive one-way when officials are absent,” he added.
Another motorist, Mr Ismaila Abdulrazak, described one-way driving as unacceptable regardless of the circumstances, stressing that offenders should be held accountable.
“Pedestrians suffer the consequences of the bad decisions of motorists, including broken limbs and schoolchildren being knocked down while crossing the road,” he said.
He urged the government to increase the number of traffic officials on Kaduna roads and impose fines on offenders.
Also speaking, a commercial motorcyclist, Mr Philip Kazi, expressed concern over cases of hit-and-run linked to traffic violations, leaving victims’ families to bear the consequences.
Kazi urged the government to complete road construction projects on time and install more warning signposts to discourage motorists from driving against traffic.
Responding, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kaduna State, Corps Commander Andrew Longkam, described route violation as a dangerous trend that could lead to loss of lives and property.
Longkam said motorists often committed the offence when they noticed the absence of security or traffic personnel on such routes.
“Any motorist caught violating traffic routes will be apprehended and fined accordingly,” he said.
“Route violation is an offence prohibited by law and will not be tolerated,” he added.
The sector commander advised motorists to desist from the act, warning that anyone found culpable would face the consequences. (NAN)
