By Musa Sumaiya
The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS) otherwise called Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) looks to scale up its clampdown on persons operating unauthorised car marts in the FCT.
In particular, the Directorate said the measure would pave way for an organized system where only genuine registered operators will be in business.
DRTS Director, Wadata Bodinga made this disclosure while addressing a Taskforce set up to achieve the objective, pursuant to a directive by Secretary for Transportation, Kayode Opeifa.
A statement signed by VIO spokesman, Kalu Emetu recalled that Opeifa had earlier directed those involved in the practice to remove their vehicles from all unauthorised places as officials of the Directorate and other relevant Taskforce had been directed to mobilize to ensure compliance.
Bodinga noted that the directive must be fully implemented as it is aimed at bringing sanity to the sector, as a critical area of transportation service in every city.
He stressed that the management of DRTS will not fold its arms while some people take over every space in the city, displaying vehicles, thereby causing unnecessary traffic gridlock in the name of business without considering the plight of other road users.
According to him, there is no reason for some persons will go about setting up car marts without collaborating with those who have been into it as it is always easy for governments to relate to an organized group than different individuals.
The DRTS boss maintained that those not registered with the Directorate have no business displaying their wares in any part of Federal Capital City as it is the responsibility of the Directorate to register or give permission for any automobile business within FCT.
He therefore warned that defaulters are doing so at their own risk, as the government has upped efforts to rid the menace.
Responding, the head of the enforcement team, Mr. Kenneth Iloduba assured the Director that they will not disappoint, as they are ready to swing into action, especially as logistics for the operation had been provided.
