Cross River State Government has exempted women in commercial transport and men aged 60 and above from paying vehicle registration and daily operational levies.

The Chairman of the Cross River Transport Regulatory Agency, CTRA, Hon. Oliver Orok, who announced the policy on Monday during a meeting with the Drivers Union covering Calabar metropolis and the southern senatorial district, described the move as part of Governor Bassey Otu’s `people first` agenda and the administration’s `season of sweetness` for transporters.

He said: `“Women who are into this driving business will not pay for registration of their vehicle and will not pay daily operational levies. The operation is free for them,”` Orok said.

`“Men above 60 years of age, who own their vehicle and wish to drive, are also exempted. They don’t pay registration and they don’t pay daily tools.

“The government had also reduced ticket prices to a `minimal amount` and suspended enforcement of some road offences to allow free flow of business for commercial drivers.

“Besides, the state government will continue with the free transport services during festive periods and in addition to providing fuel support for vehicle owners to boost their businesses during festive periods.”

On compliance, the CTRA boss decried improper vehicle painting and unauthorised stickers, urging drivers to retain the state’s official colours for uniformity. He also called on drivers to complete their registration and pay required levies.

To address evasion, Orok announced that CTRA will commence special enforcement from August 1 in partnership with security agencies. He said the exercise was necessary because some drivers and union officials encourage others not to pay tickets, creating revenue loss and division within the union.

`“When those who pay notice that others are not paying and are being covered, they also refuse to pay. This enforcement is to ensure fairness and protect government revenue,”` he stated.

Orok added that plans are on to carry out a revalidation of all commercial vehicles for security coded numbers within the metropolis and across the entire state

In a bid to increase civic participation, CTRA invited the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to the meeting to register drivers for voter cards. Orok said many commercial drivers lack time to visit ward offices and plans are underway to site registration points along major routes.

Orok commended Governor Otu, the First Lady, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, and the Leader of Calabar South, Hon. Dr. Emmanuel Ironbar, for the opportunity to serve. He reaffirmed CTRA’s commitment to regulatory reforms that will enhance public transportation in the state, including a proposed free transport and empowerment programme for the masses.