The Cross River State Governor, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, has approved the restoration of the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) to the roads to carry out its statutory duties of vehicle roadworthiness inspection, driver testing, accident investigation and vehicle documentation.
This was contained in a press release signed by the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity and Chief Press Secretary, to the Governor, Mr. Linus Obogo, which stated that the decision followed a meeting with key stakeholders in the State's transportation sector.
According to the statement, under the clarified division of responsibilities, the VIO will handle vehicle inspections, mechanical safety assessments, licensing-related tests and technical investigations.
It added that the Transport Regulatory Agency (TRAMRA) would now be restricted to traffic management and control. This covers the enforcement of illegal parking rules, traffic flow, traffic light violations and orderly conduct on public roads.
Obogo explained that the directive is intended to promote professionalism, improve road safety and prevent overlapping responsibilities, harassment and extortion of motorists. Both agencies are expected to operate strictly within their lawful mandates, in the interest of motorists and the people of Cross River State.
