FRSC convicts 62 motorists for traffic offences

The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Plateau has convicted 62 motorists of various traffic offences in Jos.

The Public Education Officer of the commission in the state, Mr Andrew Bala, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday that the offenders were arrested during a mobile court proceedings carried out by its officers and men on May 7.

He said the exercise took place on some highways within Jos-Bukuru metropolis.

``Our men on patrol actually arrested 63 motorists but one was discharged and acquitted while 62 were found guilty and convicted.

``We mostly use the mobile courts these days because we feel there is the need to give motorists fair hearing, and for me it is a better deal,’’ he said.

He added that the most prevalent offences were overloading, use of worn-out tyres, vehicle licence violation and driver’s licence violation.

Others include, use of phone while driving, seatbelt violation and lack of caution signs.

Bala further explained that none of the convicted motorists were imprisoned; adding that another reason for the mobile court exercise was to rid highways of under-age drivers.

He assured the public that officers and men of the command would make the mobile court exercise as a routine measure to checkmate the excesses of drivers on highways.