Governor Willie Obiano has declared open the Vehicle Transit Areas South East Awka Sensitization Rally.

The event, organized by the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, in collaboration with Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, took place at the Jerome Udoji state Secretariat Awka with stakeholders from within and outside the state.

Correspondent, Queen Anigbogu reports that Vehicle Transit Area or park is a public rest area located off the road and designed for drivers.

It is primarily intended for short-term breaks and long-term parking services, where drivers can get fuel, food, restroom, shower and basic supplies like oil and spare parts as well as servicing and repairs of haulage vehicles.

In his remark, Governor Obiano, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, said the processing of land for the establishment of the Vehicle Transit Areas in Anambra State is ongoing and will be completed in a few weeks’ time.

While commending the relationship between the Tanker Drivers’ Union and the state government, Governor Obiano told the union to proscribe any of their members, who drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs to reduce road crashes.

In a lecture titled, Improving Road Safety in Haulage Operations through Vehicle Transit Scheme, the Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, who spoke through the Assistant Corps Marshal, Mr. Hygienus Omeje, explained that the reason the event was held in Anambra is because the state still remains the transport hub of the South East.

Dr. Oyeyemi attributed most of the crashes that happen on roads to fatigue, hence the need to establish Vehicle Transit Areas across the country.

In his contribution, Anambra State Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Afam Mbanefo, asked transporters to ensure that their vehicles are road worthy, noting that when they play their role and government plays its own role, there will be stability.

He thanked the FRSC for organizing the programme and the crop of people it attracted.