The Lagos Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has flagged off the new commercial driver’s licence in Lagos. The Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr Nseobong Akpabio, said that the new commercial driver’s licence— class E— was introduced to eradicate quack drivers.

“The class ‘E’ driver’s licence was introduced to know the professional drivers from the unqualified and inexperienced,” Akpabio said.

He said that to achieve the aim of the FRSC by reducing road traffic crashes, only qualified drivers must be on the road. “Some accidents on the road are usually caused by unqualified drivers and with the introduction of the new class ‘E’ driver’s licence, this will be reduced.”

Akpabio advised drivers not to patronise touts in obtaining the licence, rather, they should go through the Vehicle Inspection Office (VIO) for screening, payment and later to the FRSC office for physical capturing.

He condemned the idea of getting the licence by proxy or by sending passport photographs for capturing as the machines were programmed to reject such.

Akpabio said that all driver’s licence, either private or commercial, whether expired or not expired must be changed to the new one before September, 2013. He also said that all number plates must also be changed to the new one before the same date.

The Sector Commander said that photocopy of the new drivers licence will not be accepted on demand, because it is like the currency whereby the original cannot be at home and the photocopy accepted for transaction.

“It is illegal to present photocopy of your licence and keep the original at home for nobody can go to the market with the photocopy of our currency,” Akpabio said.

He condemned night travelling, saying that in the case of any eventuality, there might not be quick aid response. He emphasised the use of seat belts as they helps in case of crashes.

The Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) , Mr Tajudeen Agbede, told the launch that the Union would collaborate with the FRSC in obtaining the new drivers licence easily.

“We are ready to parley with the FRSC to work out arrangements that would ensure that our members do not suffer before they get the new drivers licence,” Agbede said.

He advised his members not to patronise touts as they might end up getting fake licences that would put them in trouble. Agbede appealed to the FRSC not to relent in its effort on public education to the drivers, rather than strict enforcement. “Public education is the surest way to curb road accidents. Enforcement will only give temporary pains, but message and information can be gathered during public campaigns and this will always be in the memory of drivers,” Agbede said.