NURTW to punish drivers for overloading and speeding

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has issued a warning to its members.

News of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NURTW has threatened to punish any drivers found guilty overloading and speeding.

This warning was issued by the Chairman, NURTW Plateau Central Zone, Mr Victor Dimka, who revealed the reason for this threat.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting at the FRSC RS4.12 Unit Command, Pankshin, Plateau, chaired by the unit Commander in the area, ACC Nnamdi Ikeh-Akabogu, he spoke of the dangers of overloading, speeding and other traffic violations.

"Overloaded vehicles can lead to tyre burst and subsequently road crashes because the vehicle's required capacity cannot contain the tyre pressure.

NURTW has decided to penalise any of its members found either overloading or speeding on our highways and this we shall implement to the latter", he stated.

In related news, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has also declared war against overloading.

Mr Hyginus Omeje, FRSC Sector Commander,Lagos State Sector Command, said this is because it affects the safety of other road users.

"The command has begun a serious war against overloading.

The issue of tyre blow out, speed, overloading and fake driver's licence threatens safety on our highways and most drivers do not care.

We cannot continue to lose Nigerians to road traffic crashes in this country.

Most commercial drivers overload their vehicles at the detriment of the safety of commuters.

This attitude has to change for the benefit of all,’’Omeje added.

The FRSC has impounded 527 overloaded vehicles in 6 months!