By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra Road Traffic Management Agency (ARTMA) has intensified efforts to restore sanity, improve traffic flow and strengthen road safety across Anambra State.

The move includes fresh enforcement measures targeting one-way driving, obstruction of pedestrian walkways, illegal parking and other traffic-related violations.

This follows the completion and full opening of the dual carriageway along the busy Awka-Onitsha Expressway, which ARTMA says now requires stricter compliance with approved traffic regulations and road usage standards.

According to a public notice signed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ARTMA, Emeka Konti-Okonkwo, the agency announced that enforcement against one-way driving along the Awka-Onitsha Expressway corridor would officially commence on June 1, 2026.

It warned that motorists who drive against the approved direction of traffic on the newly completed expressway would henceforth face severe sanctions in line with the traffic laws of the state.

While reminding road users that the offence of driving against traffic (popularly known as “One-Way”) attracts impoundment of the offender’s vehicle for three months with no option of fine, the agency said, "ARTMA officers would be strategically stationed at designated U-turn points along the corridor to guide motorists and ensure strict compliance with lane discipline and approved traffic movement.

"The decision became necessary following the full completion of the expressway, noting that continued abuse of traffic regulations on such a major route poses serious risks to lives and public safety."

The agency urged motorists to cooperate with enforcement officers, noting that the measures were aimed at ensuring orderliness, reducing avoidable accidents and promoting safer road use across the state."

It also cautioned motorists against the dangerous habit of ignoring traffic lights at night, warning that such behaviour often leads to fatal crashes and avoidable loss of lives.

The agency noted that many drivers wrongly assume traffic lights are only important during daytime, whereas nighttime traffic management is even more critical because of reduced visibility and the likelihood of sudden movement from other road users.

While further warning that speeding through intersections at night after ignoring red lights could result in devastating collisions involving vehicles, tricycles or unsuspecting pedestrians, the agency added, "Traffic lights are designed to regulate movement, prevent confusion and reduce accidents irrespective of the time of the day.

"A red light remains a command to stop whether in the daytime or midnight.

"Motorists are advised to exercise patience and prioritize safety over haste. Arriving earlier is never worth risking human lives. Motorists should always respect and obey the traffic light, both day and night, irrespective of whether any vehicle is coming from the opposite direction or not."

Beyond the expressway enforcement and traffic light campaign, the ARTMA management has also intensified physical monitoring and enforcement operations across major towns and commercial hubs in the state, to ensure free flow of traffic and reduced risk.

During one of the recent enforcement outings in Awka and Nnewi, the ARTMA Boss, Engr. Konti, was seen personally educating drivers against indiscriminate parking, illegal loading and offloading of passengers outside approved motor parks, especially on pedestrian walkways and also road shoulders.

He also warned truck owners, trailer drivers and operators of articulated vehicles against abandoning or parking heavy-duty vehicles along busy roads, noting that such practices shrink road space, obstruct free flow of traffic and endanger other road users.

The agency equally frowned at the growing trend of converting pedestrian walkways into trading areas and private extensions of residential or commercial premises.