The Managing Director (MD) of Anambra Traffic Management Agency (ATMA) Mr Emeka Okonkwo has called on traffic enforcers under the agencies to respect rights and dignity of motorists while carrying out their tasks.
Okonkwo said this while speaking with newsmen in reaction to complaints of high-handedness of some traffic enforcement officials in Awka on Tuesday.
He said the mandate of ATMA was to ensure that Anambra roads were free for users but noted that the duty must be done on the balance of implementing government policy and protection of citizens.
According to him, “We have always told them that we are on the road to make sure there is sanity, to ensure Anambra people are happy and ensure they reach their destinations in shortest time possible.
“They should be civil in communicating with people, nobody should be manhandled for any reason because we are all Anambra people.”
Okonkwo urged motorists to observe all traffic signs and avoid behaviour that would would bring them to confrontation with the law.
He said people should not engage officers in a fight but endeavour to report alleged abuses to ATMA with video evidence for appropriate administrative redress.
He also advised against bribing officers as it was an act of corruption which the agency frowned at.
According to him, “Offenders should not try to bribe officers, that is an act of corruption and denial of government of the revenue accruable to it.
“I must state that ATMA is not a revenue collection agency of the government, we are traffic law enforcers and only levy those who flout these laws.
“People with verified offenses are encouraged to pay their penalties into official government account.”
Okonkwo said members of the public could reach the customer service desk of the agency on 08144228836 or 08081958091 and follow ATMA on Youtube: @Anambra traffic update for first hand information on traffic situation in the state.
