Senate Moves To Ban Daytime Operations Of Heavy-Duty Vehicles

The Nigerian Senate has taken a significant step toward reducing road accidents and traffic congestion by moving to restrict the movement of articulated lorries, tankers, and trailers during daytime hours.

A bill titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Road Safety Commission (Establishment) Act, 2007, to Restrict the Daytime Movement of Heavy-Duty Vehicles and for Related Matters” was read for the first time in the Senate on Tuesday.

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Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), the bill proposes that the operations of heavy-duty vehicles be limited to the hours of 12:00 midnight to 6:00 am, except in cases of emergency.

The proposed penalties for violating the restrictions are as follows:

• Individual Offenders: ₦500,000 fine
• Corporate Offenders: ₦5,000,000 fine
• Vehicle Seizure: Vehicles could be impounded for up to 30 days.

The bill also includes exceptions for vehicles transporting essential goods, such as medical supplies or operating during public emergencies.

Senator Nwoko emphasized that the legislation aims to curb the high rate of fatal accidents caused by heavy-duty vehicles.

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Highlighting the chaos on Nigerian roads, Nwoko pointed out the dangers posed by fuel tankers, cement trucks, and trailers carrying hazardous cargo, especially during rush hours when these vehicles compete with passenger cars, often leading to fatal accidents and significant economic loss.

The bill will move to a second reading, where Senator Nwoko will present its general principles before the public hearing stage.