Commercial transporters clash with FRSC over Sept 1 introduction of speed limit device

A major crisis that may disrupt road transportation in
Nigeria for a long period if not averted by the Presidency
has broken out between commercial transporters in the
country and the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC.
The crisis of confidence between the two parties arises over
the decision by the commission to introduce speed limit
device technology on commercial vehicles with effect from
September 1 this year. N35,000 for device, N1,000 for
installation.
It was learnt that the FRSC is working with a private
Nigerian firm to enforce the controversial deal, which would
require each vehicle owner to buy the device for N35,000
and pay additional N1,000 for installation.
The transporters claim that with each of the 25 million
vehicles in Nigeria paying N36,000 to the FRSC, it would
rake in at least N900 billion from innocent Nigerians for a
technology that would not add value to their lives.
In a protest letter to the FRSC, the transporters warned the
commission to desist from going ahead with the project, as
it would endanger the lives of vehicles owners rather than
protect them and accused the FRSC of bringing an outdated
technology to Nigeria, which had long been phased out in
Britain, India, Kenya, Tanzania, United States of America and
Uganda because of its adverse negative effects.
The road transporters writing under the aegis of
International Human Rights and Anti-corruption Society gave
the FRSC one month with effect from August 17, 2015 to
publicly declare the discontinuation of the device or face a
court action. In the letter addressed to the Corps Marshal of
the FRSC, and signed by the Director General, Dr. U.O.
Udofia and Secretary General, Barrister E.A. Egbebu, the
group also drew the attention of the commission that it
lacks the power to introduce the said device under the
Section 10 (3) of the FRSC Act of 2007.
It warned that the FRSC should adopt and use the world
acclaimed Spider Technology that comes with a 3-in-one
high definition camera with long range monitoring of
highways to capture over speeding vehicles.
The group pointed out that while it does not oppose the use
of technology to control road speed limit on the highways, it
would not fold its hands and allow the FRSC to bring in
anything for money-making purpose and endanger the lives
of vehicle owners.
They complained that while the Spider technology was being
used globally it was wrong for the FRSC to contemplate
installing speed limiter on vehicles so that they do not run
beyond the fixed limit even when pursued by armed robbers,
kidnappers, hired killers and car snatchers. “Speed limiter in
all developed and African countries had been banned.
Again speed limit device had been discovered to expose
motorists to danger such as armed robbery and other
dangerous exposures.
“Therefore, in a country like Nigeria where there is
serious prevalence of insecurity, the installation of
speed limiter in vehicles would be counterproductive
and self-defeating,” the transporters said.
Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Commission has
insisted that the speed limiter will be enforced by the
commission with effect from tomorrow.
Vanguard

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