BY Austin Ogwuda

Asaba—Mixed reactions are trailing the operations of the Delta State Traffic Management Authority, DSTMA, following arrests and imposition of fines on motorists accused of allegedly violating traffic laws by the operatives.

Although some residents have hailed the discipline brought to bear on the roads, some others, including private and commercial drivers, criticized the traffic officers’ modus operandi, saying that they are overbearing in the discharge of their duties.

Vanguard’s investigation showed that since the state traffic officers began operation, there had been a deluge of complaints. Sometime ago, fight broke out between the son of a retired high court judge and the officials, when they eventually caught up with the judge’s son, whom they accused of driving against traffic. Incidentally, he is a lawyer by profession.

A motorist who simply gave his name as Amaechi, told our reporter that “We are not against their operation because it brings sanity but for me, they should not be high-handed.  Sometimes, they lay ambush to arrest motorists.”

Reacting, the state Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ben Ibakpa, said: “It is unfortunate that respect for laws, rules, regulations and standards is not in us. Same explains why someone will not wait for the red light to stop when the amber has informed you to stop?  Why will a sane mind and head drive against traffic? Why should a driver on the steering give 90 percent of his attention to GSM  and so many unimaginable unsafe attitudes?
“For the traffic team, they are the ones being harassed and intimidated every day.  We will continue to do our work without fear or favour.”