The Anambra State Government has on Friday banned the movement of fuel tankers from plying the road during daytime. This operation is scheduled to take effect as from NOV 2 2019.
This information was made known by the State Commissioner for information Mr C- Don Adinuba on Friday through a statement made available for newsmen, following the frequent cases of fire outbreak cased by fuel tankers in the state.
According Mr Don Adinuba, He said that fuel tankers would henceforth be allowed to operate from 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m daily.
He also added that the speed limit of fuel tankers and heavy trucks would be 90 kilometres per hour.
The statement reads thus:
”Following the incessant collapse of trucks carrying petroleum products in Anambra State in recent times, including one which happened in Onitsha on Thursday, the Anambra State Government has decided to restrict the time which vehicles laden with petroleum products can move in the state.
“With effect from Saturday, November 2, 2019, such vehicles can be allowed to move within Anambra State from only 8:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.
“The restriction is to enable agencies like the Anambra State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Civil Defence, the Anambra Traffic Management Agency and indeed all other security, law enforcement and safety agencies to respond effectively and in good time to emergencies created by such accidents.”
He said such accidents had resulted in an inferno, as was the case in Onitsha on Thursday.
“The Anambra State Command of the Nigeria Police Force and all other security agencies have been directed to religiously enforce the restriction order on the movement of trucks carrying petroleum products in the state.
“They have also been directed to ensure that such vehicles do not exceed the speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour.
“Any violation of either the time restriction order or the speed limit will be punished accordingly. The protection of the life and asset of every person in Anambra State cannot be compromised.
“All stakeholders, including oil marketers, workers, tanker drivers and indeed concerned persons in the downstream oil sector are urged to bear with the state and help to adhere to this regulation which is made strictly in the overriding public interest.”