Following further consultations between the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Joint Tax Board, a shift of date for enforcement of the use of motorcycle and tricycle riders licence and number plates has been announced.
Instead of the earlier August 1, 2019 announced commencement date, the enforcement will now take effect from October 2, 2019.
A statement by the spokesman of the FRSC, Commander Bisi Kazeem, yesterday, said this was to allow the JTB further sensitise the State Governments, especially the Boards of Internal Revenue of the states, on the proposed clampdown.
The shift in date, Kazeem said, is to also give room for the State Boards of Internal Revenue to make requests for the number plates and driver’s licences for motorcyclists and tricyclists, especially in states where the items are currently in short supply.
The grace period according to the spokesperson would also be utilised for further consultations with relevant stakeholders and the public.
According to the statement, the earlier ultimatum given by the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, for commencement of enforcement was sequel to reports of pervasive use of motorcycles and tricycles for urban transportation without the riders being properly licensed or operating without registered number plates as prescribed by law.
In the earlier press release, the FRSC relied on Section 10 Sub Section 4(h) and (i) of the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, which made possession of class A driver’s licence and number plates mandatory for riders of motorcycles and tricycles before they can operate on the nation’s roads.
The statement said: “By this extension, all Motor Licensing Authorities (MLAs) across the country are advised to make necessary arrangements that would facilitate easy acquisition of the Class A licence and the number plates to avoid any ugly incidents.”Kazeem reiterated the need for all applicants desiring fresh class “A” Licence to first present themselves for driving tests at the Vehicle Inspection Office before advancing to the capturing unit for continuation of the process.
It would be recalled that the Corps Marshal had earlier issued directives to FRSC Commanding Officers nationwide to engage the relevant stakeholders and Associations on the proposed clampdown, while the Corps Public Education Officers were equally directed to carry out elaborate advocacy and sensitization of the riders on the need to register their motorcycles and tricycles.
