Delta Motorists Protest ‘Excessive’ Traffic Fines

Motorists across Delta State have pushed back against the recent rollout of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras by the state Ministry of Transport, saying the penalties are excessive and public awareness has been poor. The surveillance system, now active in Warri, Asaba and Sapele, captures offences such as speeding and expired vehicle documents. Drivers argue that the lack of visible speed limit signs on major roads leaves many unaware of violations until they attempt to renew their vehicle papers months later.

Several affected drivers shared accounts of unexpected fines. One motorist said he was asked to pay ₦50,000 for an expired licence and a speeding offence recorded in December, which only came to light in February. He insisted that bad road conditions and missing signage made the speeding allegation unfair. Others questioned how compliance is possible when enforcement notices arrive long after the alleged infractions.

Legal practitioners and residents have also raised concerns about the system’s legality. A Senior Advocate of Nigeria pointed to possible constitutional issues, arguing that enforcement authorities should not combine investigative and adjudicative roles. Some motorists have reported technical discrepancies, including cases where valid licences were flagged as expired, suggesting potential faults in the state database operating outside the national platform managed by the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Although the government says the technology will strengthen road safety and that violators will be notified directly, motorists are demanding clearer communication and safeguards. They want proper sensitisation, clearly marked speed limits and an accessible process to dispute contested fines, warning that without these steps, public confidence may erode.