Tipper drivers in Anambra state have once again announced their intention to block major roads across the state over what they termed undue government interference and influence on their operations.
They made their position known at a one-day stakeholders consultative forum held at the FRSC headquarters Awka, the Anambra state capital.
National Secretary of the Tipper Drivers comrade Jerry Ifejika who disclosed this, said tipper drivers would not accept leaders imposed on them by the state government and that until government rescinded her decision, their agitations will continue.
On his part, the Sector Commander Federal Road Safety Corps Anambra State CC Andrew Ayodele Kumapayi who said the essence of the meeting was to sensitize stakeholders and deliberate on issues relating to safety of operators and other road users especially during this Yuletide season, appealed to the tipper drivers not to barricade the roads with their vehicles to avoid crashes.
He said articulated vehicles have the highest percentage of Crashes in Anambra State about 40 percent on speed related, loss of control, fatigue on the part of drivers.
He maintained that there was need for stakeholders meeting on quarterly basis to fashion out ways of stemming the ugly trend and avoid unnecessary break down of trucks on the highways.
The Sector Commander therefore called on operators to ensure regular checking and maintenance, Use of manifolds and safety valve up and down to avoid leakages in an event of crash, the capacity of truck head should commensurate with the body to avoid excess load.
He also urged them to operate in total compliance with Covid-19 protocols by providing hand washing equipment running water in parks and terminals, use of face marks and provision of personal protective equipment for drivers and motor boys and provide notices in conspicuous locations to guide visitors in parks and terminals.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant the Governor Willie Obiano on Petroleum and Union matters Hon. Peter Nwosu Commended the Sector Commander for his initiative and informed him that it has been adopted as a rule in all depots that no truck carry more than 45000 liters of product and the capacity of truck head must be able to carry the body.
Nwosu called on the operators and Union leaders of PTD, IPMAN, NUPENG and Tipper Unions to endeavor to comply with Safety rules regarding their operations.
While commending Tipper Operators for being law abiding and not blocking the high ways anymore, promised to relate their complaints to His Excellency for action.
In his contribution, the Corridor Commander Corridor ( 5) DCC Kuje admonished the operators to desist from drunk driving and abide by the stipulated speed limits set by law to reduce the road Crashes involving articulated vehicles on the highways.
The Sector Head of Operations DCC J Abuo in his vote of thanks appreciated the Sector Commander, Senior Officers, SSA to the governor on petroleum matters and the Union leaders for their time and urged participants to ensure the safety messages got to their various members.
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