ASABA – No fewer than 200 commercial motorcycles have been impounded by Delta Government for operating in the state in defiance of the November 1, 2012, ban on them.

The motorcycles, popularly known as “okada”, were rounded up in Asaba between November 2012 and March 7.

Mr Benson Igbakpa, Commissioner in-charge of the Directorate of Transport, said in Asaba that the offence attracts a fine of N10,000 each.

Delta government had in June 2012, announced the ban on commercial motorcycle operation in major towns, including Asaba, Warri and Effurun, with effect from November 1, 2012

The commissioner said that between July 2012 and March, 595 vehicles were impounded for various traffic rules violation in Asaba.

He also said during the period, officials of the directorate impounded 904 commercial vehicles, comprising cars, buses and tricycles for parking at unauthorised places.

He, however, said that 80 of the vehicles had been released to their owners, adding that 72 of them were impounded for wrongful parking.

system, to enable them to operate.

He stated that since the ban on okada became operational, criminal activities and road accident rate, particularly within the metropolis, had drastically reduced.

“We will move our operation to Warri next week but before then, we will carry out intensive enlightenment on our activities and fully sensitise stakeholders to the need to comply with government’s directive.”