Delta State Government has stated that it would start melting cars of Traffic offenders in the state as the set new road rules.
The Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) has announced new measures to enhance road safety and improve traffic flow across the state.
The Director General, Hon. Dr. Benjamin O. Okiemute, spoke to journalists on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, about the agency’s ongoing efforts and upcoming changes.
What Does DESTMA Do?
DESTMA is responsible for ensuring smooth traffic flow, reducing road accidents, and keeping roads clear of obstructions. The agency also assists in clearing roads during emergencies when federal officers are unavailable. Their duties include stopping illegal parking, preventing overspeeding, and ensuring that drivers follow road safety rules.
New Rules for Keke and Other Vehicles
To improve safety, DESTMA has introduced new regulations:
1. No Keke on Highways– Keke (tricycles) will no longer be allowed on major highways due to frequent accidents.
2. No Overloading – Keke and other vehicles must not carry excess passengers or goods.
3. No Illegal Parking – Vehicles must not be parked in a way that blocks traffic.
4. No Carrying Babies in the Front Seat – Babies are not allowed in the front passenger seat for safety reasons.
5. No Throwing Trash Out of Cars – Drivers and passengers must keep the roads clean by properly disposing of waste.
Trading and Roadside Business Rules
- Selling goods on the road, especially at Summit Junction, is now illegal. Traders must operate within designated markets.
- Shops and POS operators must not obstruct pedestrian walkways.
Abandoned and Dangerous Vehicles
DESTMA will remove abandoned or broken-down vehicles from the roads. Drivers must place proper warning signs instead of using leaves or sticks.
Helmet Rule for Motorcycles
- Every motorcycle rider and passenger must wear a helmet.
- If a passenger refuses to wear a helmet, the rider will be penalized.
- Trucks carrying sand, granite, or other materials must be properly covered to prevent spillage. Offenders will face fines.
No Unauthorized Roadshows
- Churches, local traders, and traditional groups must obtain permission before holding events on the road.
DESTMA is strengthening its enforcement strategies. Instead of just issuing fines, illegally parked Keke and vehicles may be seized and melted down at a factory in Aladja.
The agency is also working with Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the state governor, to improve road infrastructure, properly mark roads, and involve local government chairmen in enforcing traffic laws.
In a move to modernize traffic control, the Delta State Government plans to introduce an automated traffic management system using surveillance cameras.
"The government has thought towards initiating technology to enable most of our traffic control to be automated. We are looking for a way to have vehicles and offenders captured by cameras. If an offence is committed and the driver thinks they have escaped, the cameras will capture them," the DESTMA Director General explained.
The system will work as follows:
- Cameras will capture vehicle number plates, colours, and traffic offences.
- Repeat offenders will be flagged and penalized accordingly.
- A control room will monitor daily traffic activities statewide.
"This will eliminate outdated manual enforcement methods and introduce a more efficient and transparent system," he added.
DESTMA is working closely with the Ministry of Transport and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to improve traffic regulations.
"DESTMA operates under the Ministry of Transport, and we constantly engage with the Commissioner of Transport to align our activities with state policies. We don’t make decisions independently; we work together to enhance traffic management in the state," the Director General said.
Regarding the FRSC, he explained that state traffic agencies were created to complement FRSC efforts. "The FRSC realized they needed support from state governments to enforce traffic laws effectively. That’s why states like Delta have established agencies like DESTMA."
Delta State plays a crucial role in Nigeria’s road network, as major routes leading to the Southeast and South-South regions pass through the state. "You cannot travel to the Southeast without passing through Delta State, whether through Benin-Asaba or Sapele-Warri-Ughelli. This makes our collaboration with the FRSC crucial," he added.
Recently, DESTMA visited the FRSC zonal headquarters to strengthen their partnership. "They were pleased with our initiative. It was the first time DESTMA had engaged in such discussions with them, and they encouraged us to continue.
Our synergy with FRSC is 100 per cent because we both share the goal of ensuring safe roads. When they have an obstruction on a federal road and their towing van isn’t available, we assist them, and vice versa. This cooperation ensures better road safety for everyone."
If you drive a car, ride a motorcycle, or use Keke, follow these new rules to avoid fines or vehicle confiscation. DESTMA is implementing these changes to improve road safety and traffic management for all residents of Delta State.