TIMAAS Vows To Deal With Traffic Violators In Abia, Calls Benkas Ben Regular Offender

TIMAAS says it will stop at nothing to ensure that relevant laws guiding motorists and road users in Abia State are obeyed, saying it will stop at nothing to ensure their enforcement.

The organisation was reacting to an alleged letter of complaint written by one Benkas Ben to the Governor over fines slammed on him by TIMAAS.

It disclosed this in a statement signed by the General Manager, Bright Chinedu Ikeokwu on Tuesday.

While accusing Benkas Ben of not disclosing the traffic offence he allegedly committed that attracted the fine, it accused him of converting a section of Echefu road into a mechanic garage which has led to obstruction of traffic in the area.

The organisation also called on the people of Abia to always ensure they maintain discipline while making use of the roads.

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The statement partly read, “Our attention has been drawn to an open letter written by one Benkas Ben, wherein he complained about TIMAAS fines but failed to state the traffic offence committed.

“We do not intend to join issues with Benkas and other traffic offenders. We have a mandate which is to ensure that traffic laws are obeyed and defaulters disciplined. This we have been doing within the ambit of the law.

“To set the records straight, Benkas, who is a regular offender of traffic rules because of his tribe, was penalized for converting a section of Echefu road into a mechanic garage which led to obstruction. He was issued a Notice of Offence Sheet in accordance to the law. In the sheet, was a fine which is to be paid to the Board of Internal Revenue. Rather than comply, he chose the path of blackmail by playing the ethnicity card and attacking our officers. Unfortunately for Benkas, laws guiding the activities of TIMAAS did not exonerate any tribe or ethnic group. More so, fines for unleashing violence on our uniformed men and having your vehicle towed cannot be the same as a normal fine.

“We will continue to sensitize and educate citizens to be law-abiding and avoid all forms of indiscipline, especially on our roads. But for those who have sworn to remain lawless, breaking every known traffic rules, TIMAAS will stop at nothing in ensuring that relevant laws are enforced and Abia rid of all forms of lawlessness.

“Just a reminder, TIMAAS frowns at Traffic offences such as: Driving against the traffic, Driving without seat belts, Use of mobile phone while driving, Double Parking, Overloading of passengers and goods, Picking and dropping off passengers on unauthorized places, Offloading or loading of goods by motorists while vehicle is on the road, Indiscriminate parking, Throwing of dirt from moving vehicles, Encroachment in form of Trading on Streets and Roads, converting our roads to mechanic workshops, Assault or molesting of traffic Officers while on duty.

“Note that every act of indiscipline attracts a penalty. We do not derive joy in penalizing individuals but we have a responsibility to instil discipline, and that we must do.”