By Taibat Ummi Yakubu 

The Katsina State Road Traffic Agency (KASSAROTA) has introduced a N50,000 fine for trailer drivers and operators of heavy-duty vehicles who violate newly established traffic regulations within Katsina State.

The agency said the new enforcement measures are designed to enhance road safety, ease traffic congestion, and safeguard lives and property across the state.

The Executive Chairman of the agency, Garba Yahaya-Rimi, announced the directive in a statement issued in Katsina on Friday by the agency’s spokesperson, Abubakar Marwan.

He warned that offenders risk additional sanctions, including vehicle impoundment, suspension of operations, and other punitive measures.

Under the new regulations, trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles entering the Katsina metropolis for loading or offloading are permitted to operate only between 9:00 p.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Yahaya-Rimi directed drivers to park only in designated areas that do not obstruct traffic flow, adding that operators of broken-down vehicles must promptly notify the agency for necessary intervention.

He further stated that any loading or offloading activity involving the use of public roads must first receive prior approval from the agency.

According to him, all heavy-duty vehicles entering the metropolis for commercial purposes are now required to pay waybill charges and other statutory fees.

He also directed that vehicles without business within the Katsina metropolis should make use of the Ring Road and avoid city centre routes.

The chairman expressed concern over cases of excessive speeding along the Kwado Road and Ring Road, urging motorists to strictly adhere to traffic regulations to prevent accidents.

He reiterated that the measures are part of broader efforts to improve road safety and ensure the smooth flow of traffic across Katsina metropolis.