The movement of heavy duty vehicles will be restricted within Owerri, capital city of Imo State, from 9pm to 7am daily if a bill to that effect currently receiving the attention of the state House of Assembly becomes law.

Sponsored by Hon. Ikechukwu Amuka, the bill is at the Committee stage and has been consolidated with the one sponsored by the Minority Leader, Hon. Ngozi Pat-Ekeji of Aboh Mbaise State Constituency, entitled a Bill for a Law to enact the Imo State Luxury and horticultural vehicles Parks Establishment Law and other matters connected thereto.

Presenting the bill, Hon. Amuka, who represents Ideato-South Constituency, said it is aimed at putting an end to unwarranted accidents and deaths that occur on a regular basis on Owerri roads especially along the Assumpta Avenue. He pointed out that when the bill becomes law, heavy duty trucks above 15 tons would be restricted to ply within the capital city from 9 o’clock at night till 7 o’clock in the morning.

The lawmaker noted that even though these vehicles render services that are essential such as conveying consumable items, it is important to regulate their movements to instill sanity on the roads. The bill provides for parks for such vehicles to be built at all entry points into the capital city, which is expected to usher in development, boost commerce within their environs, as well as provide employment and revenue to the state.

The bill has been committed to a five-man ad-hoc committee headed by Hon. Ikenna Emeh and comprising Hons Kingsley Dimaku, Ikechukwu Amuka, Obioma Ekennia and Ngozi Pat-Ekeji.

•Photo: Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu.