Tricycle operators protest new DESTMA regulations in Sapele

By Owen Akenzua

Tricycle operators, popularly known as Keke riders, on Tuesday, , staged a peaceful protest in Sapele Local Government Area of Delta State over the enforcement of new traffic regulations introduced by the Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA).

The demonstration, which began early Tuesday morning, saw hundreds of Keke riders gather at the popular Olympia roundabout to express their dissatisfaction with what they described as “stringent and oppressive policies” rolled out by DESTMA. The protesters complained that the new laws would place heavy burdens on their operations and livelihoods.

Responding to the protesters, the Secretary to the Sapele Local Government Council, Hon. Raymond Overah, addressed the crowd and urged the riders to remain peaceful in expressing their grievances. He acknowledged their right to protest and assured them that the concerns raised would be conveyed to relevant authorities for review and possible amendments.

READ ALSO: Cardi B Sets Summer Ablaze with Comeback Single ‘Outside’

“It is your right to speak up,” Hon. Overah said, “but I urge you all to remain law-abiding and maintain peace. Your voices will be heard, and the local government will engage with DESTMA to consider some of these regulations in the interest of fairness.”

The new traffic laws introduced by DESTMA span a wide range of road safety and operational regulations, including:

A ban on Keke with side covers, metals, or welding at the back or top;

A strict prohibition on driving beyond 10 PM for both Keke and motorcycles (Okada);

Requirement for registration of all private markets, private schools, churches, and fairly used car dealerships with DESTMA;

Mandates that all trucks carrying sand or gravel must be fully tarpaulin-covered, and trucks must not discharge goods in a manner that may obstruct traffic without prior notice to DESTMA;

Enforcement of helmet use for all motorcycle riders, including those on “ladies’ bikes”;

Zero tolerance for illegal parking, roadside trading, and driving against traffic;

Introduction of psychiatric evaluations for violent traffic offenders and six-month imprisonment without fine for those who assault DESTMA officers.

In total, over 80 new rules were released, covering everything from seatbelt use, phone use while driving, excessive smoke emission, to prohibitions against using sirens or musical gadgets without approval.

DESTMA also issued stern warnings that offenders would be prosecuted by a mobile court, with several offences attracting up to six months imprisonment with hard labor.

Reactions from the public have been mixed. While some residents commend DESTMA for its efforts to improve road safety and orderliness, others argue that many of the rules are impractical and insensitive to the economic realities of transport operators.

A Keke rider, Osagie Emmanuel, told newsmen that “We are not against traffic control, but many of these laws were announced suddenly without proper consultation. How can we operate when almost everything we use is now considered illegal?”

DESTMA, however, maintains that the new regulations are necessary to curb rising traffic indiscipline and ensure public safety across Delta State.

As of press time, the protest remained peaceful, with security personnel monitoring the situation to prevent any breakdown of law and order.