Rivers PCRC,VIO Deepen Sensitization On Roles, Traffic Offences,Essence Of CMRIS And Vehicle Inspection

....As Drivers Get One Month Grace Period

In a bid to ensure a safe and accident free roads in Rivers state,the Police Community Relations Committe,PCRC and Vehicle Inspection Officers(VIO)/Road Traffic Officers(RTO) led by Mr Voke Emore and Engr.Monibo Akobo respectively, have deepened sensitization on the roles of VIO,RTO, what constitutes road traffic offences,the essence of Central Motor Registry Information System CMRIS and vehicle inspection.

Mr Emore who was a guest at a live programme in a radio station in PortHarcourt ,which was monitored by our reporter disclosed that PCRC is a bridge between the Police and the community,and also ensures the community is policed the right way.

"We are here to sensitize the public on the roles of VIO and RTO,why they need to be on the road to ensure our roads are safe.The VIO has given motorists grace period of one month to get their documents updated and ensure their vehicles are road worthy.

"During the one month grace period,VIO will be on the road to sensitize motorists and drivers, on what their cars are lacking to enable them to fix it within that period.The VIO need to be empowered by the State Government.They need to be more equipped in terms of personnel and logistics to do their work effectively.

"The roles of VIO cannot be over emphasized.When there is an accident,in some cases, the Police call in the VIO to ascertain if the vehicle is road worthy and certified in the first place and if the vehicle is not certified,the person can be arraigned in court.

"We are also sensitizing commercial vehicle drivers to get all their papers and ensure their vehicles are road worthy.It may interest you to know that most commercial drivers do not have car papers and driver's license" he said.

Mr Emore also justified the checking of diver's license and CMRO registration by the Police.

"The Police ask for driver's license to ascertain if the person is fit to driver in the first place.Secondly,to ascertain if the person is the owner of the car.CMRIS is not enforceable but advisable because it makes it easier for a stolen vehicle to be recovered" Mr Emore stated.

The Rivers PCRC helmsman,urged the public to make use of the Complaint Response Unit,CRU Police number 08161355218 to report any compliant against a Police officer in Rivers State.

On his part,Mr Monibo Akobo the Chief VIO/RTO in Rivers state said the officers people see on the road are RTO personnel and they have the right to check vehicle papers while VIO checks the vehicle to ascertain its road worthiness when is brought to the office.

"VIO check road worthiness of the vehicle while RTO checks insurance papers and other relevant documents .Many drivers,especially commercial vehicle drivers dont have driver's license,head lamp,horns etc.We are advising the drivers to put their vehicles and papers in order within this period of grace.

"Drivers please dont see us as threat,see us as friends and partners in progress.Our office is at waterlines junction,RTC compound.You can bring your vehicles for free inspection and do your vehicle paper at an affordable price" Mr Akobo said.

The Chief RTO/VIO in Rivers state also disclosed that his personnel do not work at night and that tricycles are not exempted from inspection.

On the issue of sitting arrangement in a vehicle,he said carrying of two passengers at the front seat for small saloon car is a traffic offence. 

"Is supposed to be one passenger at the front seat while three passengers at the back seat" he said.

The Chief VIO officer also hinted of plans to give out lines dedicated for complaints by members of the public against any erring officer of the group as VIO/RTO highly prioritize respect for human rights and dignity of persons.