The Enugu State Ministry of Transport has responded to recent complaints from motorists regarding the malfunctioning of traffic lights in the city which according to motorists, some traffic officers allegedly took advantage of the situation to set up motorists and charge them for traffic offences
Narrating their ordeal, one of the affected Enugu residents Mr Eze Nwokoro wrote;
"If you are living in Enugu be careful with MOT, they capitalized on faulty traffic light and be extorting innocent citizens with heavy fine, some of the traffic light doesn't show yellow light anymore, some of the traffic light doesn't show numbers again, once you are passing the green light, all of sudden the Red light will appear, you will not even know that the red light appeared, the next thing you will see is people with bus and karki uniform will block you and clamp your tyre telling you that you jumped traffic light, N20,500 is gone, with vulcanizer N1000 total N21,500. Again some of the white lines before traffic light are no more visible, At times you will stop Genuinely, they will come and clamp your tyre that you have crossed the white line when there is no visible white line, N21,500 is gone, please if you are coming from IMT / SHOPRITE the traffic light before PENTAGON SUPERMARKET BY ETISALAT / STARTIME JUNCTION, once the counting reaches 59, just stop, because after 59 it will show red light without warning and they will pursue you and clamp your tyre, N21500 gone. If you are also coming from upper chime to otigba junction, after first bank heading to JEZCO FILLING STATION, Once the Counting strikes Number 79, stop immediately, because if you cross the number 79 Red light will appear immediately which you did not see, they will pursue you and clamp your tyre telling you that you jumped traffic light, N21500 is gone. Please Circulate and share this information so that it will reach the Governor, human right group, and also guide your visitors coming to Enugu, it will also save your family members from falling into their traps."
In a statement, the Ministry acknowledged the outcry from motorists and reaffirmed its commitment to addressing public concerns, stating thus; "The Ministry is working closely with the Enugu State Rural Electrification Board to resolve the system malfunction causing distress to motorists"
"Furthermore, the Ministry has taken note of reports of staff members intimidating citizens and has put a disciplinary mechanism in place to hold them accountable"
"The Ministry remains committed to creating a world-class, safe, and efficient traffic management system, ensuring that traffic rules are enforced without victimizing innocent citizens"
"Citizens with valid complaints are encouraged to reach out to the Ministry for prompt assistance and resolution of their issues"
