The Katsina State Road Traffic Agency has announced new regulations for heavy-duty vehicles, imposing a N50,000 fine on offenders as part of efforts to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and protect lives and property across the state.
The agency said the measures became necessary due to the increasing presence of trucks and trailers on major roads, with some vehicles reportedly using highways as permanent parking spaces, thereby obstructing traffic flow.
The announcement was made on Friday in Katsina by the agency’s Executive Chairman, Garba Yahaya-Rimi, through its spokesperson, Abubakar Marwan.
Officials said the new restrictions are aimed at curbing excessive speeding, illegal parking, road obstruction, and other unsafe practices associated with trailer operations.
Under the new directive, trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles entering the Katsina metropolis for loading or offloading will now operate only between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.
Yahaya-Rimi warned that offenders risk additional sanctions, including vehicle impoundment and suspension of operations, apart from the N50,000 fine.
He directed drivers to park only in designated areas that do not obstruct traffic and urged operators of broken-down vehicles to promptly notify the agency for necessary action.
He also stated that any loading or offloading activity requiring the use of part of a public road must receive prior approval from the agency.
According to him, all heavy-duty vehicles entering the metropolis for commercial purposes must obtain waybills and pay applicable statutory fees, while those with no business in the city are expected to use the Ring Road instead of urban routes.
The agency said the measures form part of broader efforts to ensure free traffic flow and reduce accidents, particularly along Kwado Road and the Ring Road.