Sixty three persons in Akwa Ibom were convicted by a Mobile Court in Uyo for violating various traffic offences in the state during Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Akwa Ibom Sector Commander, Mr Sunday Oghenekaro, told newsmen in his office in Uyo on Thursday that his men arrested 65 traffic offenders who were given option of fine depending on the offences committed.
Oghenekaro said the use of Mobile Court was a strategic measure employed by the command to curb road crashes especially during the festive season.
He said that offences committed by most motorists included, non-use of seat-belt while driving, use of expired and worn-out tyres, use of mobile phones, overloading and failure to install speed limiting device, among others.
The sector commander said that Mobile Court had been part of their enforcement strategy to reduce road traffic crashes in the state.
“The Command during the last festive period arrested 65 traffic offenders, convicted 63 and discharged two.
“The use of mobile court has really helped us to reduce road crashes in the country especially during the festive period like during Christmas and New Year special patrol operations and we will continue to use it in prosecuting traffic offenders.
“The mobile court has yielded a lot of result because the moment a court sentences anyone, the person has no option than to pay the fine or be committed to prison,” Oghenekaro said.
Oghenekaro appealed to motorists and other road users in the state to adhere strictly to safety rules and regulations to stay alive this New Year.
The sector commander reminded drivers and motorists to begin their journey on time, check their tyres pressure and brakes before embarking on their trips especially during this harmattan period.
He assured motorists and Akwa Ibom people that the command would not relent in its efforts to sensitise drivers on the need to obey traffic rules and regulations to ensure safety.