Cross River waives vehicle registration fees for women, elderly drivers

The 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. Chief Oliver Orok, announced the policy on Saturday during a meeting with the Drivers Union covering Calabar Metropolis and Calabar South Local Government Area (LGA).

Orok described the move as part of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda and the administration’s “Season of Sweetness” for transporters.

“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 CTRA boss said the government had also reduced ticket prices to a “minimal amount” and suspended enforcement of some road offences to allow the free flow of business for commercial drivers.

He added that the state government would continue providing free transport services during festive periods, in addition to providing fuel support for vehicle owners to boost their businesses during such periods.

On compliance, Orok 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 the required levies.

To address evasion, Orok announced that the CTRA would 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.

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