Some motorists in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged a review of the proposed 2,000 per cent increase in traffic fines, warning that the jump from N5,000 to N100,000 is excessive.
The motorists, however, expressed support for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Amendment Bill, saying stronger laws are necessary to improve discipline and safety on Nigerian roads.
They shared their views in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja while reacting to the FRSC Amendment Bill recently passed by the Senate.
Both private and commercial drivers who spoke to NAN said the bill could promote compliance with traffic regulations if implemented fairly and backed by reasonable penalties.
NAN reports that the Senate recently passed the FRSC Amendment Bill, raising traffic fines by about 2,000 per cent.
Under the bill, offences such as speed limit violations, reckless driving, failure to obey traffic lights, road signs or markings have been increased from N5,000 to N100,000 or an option of two years’ imprisonment or both, for offenders.
The bill also raises the penalty for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and using mobile phones while driving from N5,000 to N100,000, or two years’ imprisonment or both, upon conviction.
Motorists who refuse FRSC roadside breath tests based on reasonable suspicion face a N50,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment or both, while corporate offenders also risk fines of up to N5 million under the proposed law.
The bill further increases penalties for offences relating to drivers’ licences and vehicle particulars from N5,000 to N50,000 as part of the proposed review of fines for documentation-related traffic violations.
The bill, which is awaiting the President’s assent, also introduces a N50,000 fine for hawking or preaching in commercial buses, among other offences.
NAN reports that some Christian groups have opposed the proposed N50,000 fine, saying it threatens religious freedom, criminalises peaceful preaching and unfairly penalises hawkers.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Anthony Mangwe, a Bolt driver, said the new measures would compel road users to be more cautious, especially regarding offences such as using phones while driving.
“If that bill becomes law, it will benefit some of us. Many people will be more careful on the road, especially by avoiding phone calls while driving.
“However, most road laws we enact tend to affect the poorest people the most, and that is unfair,” Mangwe said.
He also lamented the conduct of some traffic officials, noting that reckless driving by those in authority often encourages ordinary citizens to disobey traffic rules.
He added that compliance would improve if leaders obeyed the law first.
Mangwe also noted the economic impact of traffic violations on commercial drivers, saying, “When you are caught, your business for the day will be ruined.”
He, therefore, urged authorities to lead by example, saying, “When people see that, they will be afraid to break the law.”