The Delta State Traffic Management Authority (DESTMA) has banned tricycles, commonly known as Keke, from plying express roads in the state, as part of a comprehensive traffic reform set to take effect from May 1, 2025.
This announcement was made during a sensitization rally held on Wednesday in Agbor, led by the Director-General of DESTMA, Dr. Benjamin Essien Okiemute. The rally was aimed at enlightening road users—including motorists, commercial motorcyclists (Okada riders), tricycle operators, traders, and transport workers—on the newly approved traffic rules and the strict enforcement measures that will follow their implementation.
Dr. Okiemute stated that the new laws are designed to enhance safety, reduce road accidents, and instill discipline among road users across Delta State.
According to him, tricycle operators are now restricted from using expressways and are expected to conform to a set of new standards. These include: not carrying more than the manufacturer-approved number of passengers, not welding iron bars on any part of the vehicle, not using side leather covers to shield the interior of the tricycle, and not transporting goods on the roof. Operators are also barred from parking or loading in unauthorized areas.
On motorcycle usage, the DESTMA boss announced that both commercial and private motorcyclists must wear helmets and provide one for their passengers at all times. He stressed that carrying more than one passenger is now prohibited. In addition, motorcycle dealers are no longer permitted to display their products on pavements or on gutter covers in front of their shops.
Regarding heavy-duty vehicles, Dr. Okiemute revealed that trucks and trailers are banned from parking along roads for the purpose of offloading goods. Such activities must now be carried out only between 6:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Double-lane parking and overloading of vehicles are also considered traffic offenses under the new regime.
He further warned that motorists must avoid dangerous overtaking, overloading, and dropping passengers by the roadside. “Drivers must ensure they carry valid driver’s licenses and identification, use seat belts, avoid phone calls while driving, and obey all traffic regulations,” he said.
DESTMA also issued new directives concerning street trading and road-side commercial activities. All forms of street trading have been banned, and shop owners are no longer allowed to display goods on pavements or atop gutter slabs. Workshop owners operating on the roadside are expected to relocate before the May 1 deadline.
Dr. Okiemute stressed that non-compliance with any of these regulations will attract severe penalties including arrest, vehicle or goods confiscation, trial in a mobile court, detention for up to six months, or mandatory community service.
“These measures are not exclusive to DESTMA. We are working closely with other law enforcement agencies including the Police and Military to ensure full compliance for the benefit and safety of all Deltans,” he affirmed.
The sensitization rally, according to DESTMA, will continue across other parts of Delta State in the coming weeks to ensure that the public is well-informed ahead of the enforcement date.
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