Anambra State Government has reminded its citizens that the ban on commercial motorcycles is still in force in major cities but not the adjoining rural communities where commuter buses do not ply.

 

It listed the cities that are specifically affected by the ban to include Awka and Onitsha while Nnewi is an exception because of the predominance of private motorcycle owners, who personally ride to their offices, shops, schools and markets among others.

 

In view of the seeming confusion trailing the ban, commercial motorcycles operation in Anambra State predates the current administration of Governor Soludo but what he simply did was to restate the ban based on same reasons the previous administration gave.

 

A release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Sir Paul Nwosu noted that commercial motorcycles, in their frenzy to deliver the agreed sums of money to their owners, recklessly disregard traffic rules and shun the use of basic protective gear like the crash helmet.

 

The release warned that Nnewi motorcyclists should wear crash helmets to protect selves in the event of accident noting that the wearing of helmet is not only applicable in Nnewi, but also in other suburban areas where commercial motorcycles are not banned.

 

It mandated companies, whose businesses have to do with courier services, dispatch services and home deliveries to register with the Ministry of Transport and have their riders properly kitted up with helmets adding that plan is under way to enumerate and brand them to determine, who is a genuine commercial motorcyclist.

 

The release however appealed that police should concentrate their efforts on the two major urban areas affected by the ban and ensure that others that are not banned wear their helmets.