Cross River Lifts TRAMRA Suspension, Restricts VIO To Official Offices

Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has directed the Traffic Management and Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) to resume operations on the roads while restricting the activities of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) to its official offices.

The directive follows complaints by commercial drivers and tricycle operators over high transport ticket charges, excessive fines and alleged harassment by traffic enforcement officers.

The governor’s intervention is aimed at addressing the concerns of transport operators, reducing their financial burden and improving traffic management across the state.

Under the new directive, TRAMRA is expected to concentrate on its core responsibilities, including traffic control, road safety and ensuring the smooth movement of vehicles across Cross River State.

However, VIO officers have been directed to operate from their official offices rather than conducting roadside enforcement activities.

The directive also provides for reductions in transport ticket charges and penalties to ease the financial pressure on commercial drivers and tricycle operators.

In addition, traffic enforcement officers are required to wear proper uniforms, carry valid identification and ensure transparency in the collection of government fees.

The development was announced in a press release issued by the Chief Press Secretary and Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Governor Otu, Mr Linus Obogo.

According to the release, the measures are expected to promote accountability, minimise disputes between transport operators and enforcement officers, and enhance the efficiency of traffic management in the state.

The state government urged motorists, commercial drivers, tricycle operators and other road users to comply with the new directives and cooperate with the relevant agencies to ensure safety and order on the roads.