Motorists in Delta State have faulted what they described as exorbitant fines and poor public sensitisation following the deployment of an Automatic Number Plate Recognition system by the state Ministry of Transport.
The “plate detect” cameras, currently being installed in Uvwie, Warri, Udu, Ughelli, Asaba and Sapele, reportedly capture traffic violations including speeding, expired vehicle particulars and running red lights.
However, several drivers who spoke to our correspondent complained that there are no speed limit signs on major roads such as Airport Road, Okumagba Estate Roundabout, Deco Road and the Warri/Effurun–Sapele Road, where the cameras are said to operate.
Many motorists said they only became aware of alleged offences when they attempted to renew their vehicle documents.
One of them, Mr Ese Yafugborhi, said he was fined N20,000 for an expired vehicle licence and N30,000 for speeding allegedly committed on December 29, 2025, but was only notified on February 17 when he visited a licensing office in Uvwie for renewal.
“I’m very disappointed about the whole situation because I’m not aware of any law stating that if my vehicle particulars expire that I should not drive my vehicle. Secondly, in Uvwie there’s no indication of speed limit within the town.
“That very day, I had a flat tyre and was looking for a vulcaniser. I can’t remember driving at high speed with a bad tyre,” he said.
Another motorist, Tega, who said he was fined N50,000 for late renewal and speeding in January, described the policy as anti-people, citing poor road conditions and lack of awareness.
A mechanic, Patrick Urie, questioned the process, saying offenders should be notified immediately and provided proof of violations.
“It is surprising for somebody to break a law and not know until months later when renewing papers. Government should sensitise people and provide clear proof. What are even the speed limits if you are holding someone?” he asked.
In a Facebook video announcing the initiative, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr Onoriode Agofure, said the system scans number plates and checks them against a central database for offences including expired documents and speeding.
According to him, once a violation is detected, notification calls and text messages would be sent to the offender’s registered phone number, directing them to pay fines via the state portal.
He warned that failure to clear outstanding fines could prevent renewal of vehicle particulars and may lead to impoundment.
Reacting to the announcement, a Facebook user, Oghenewarho Ojakovo, questioned the legal foundation of the system, noting that the only centralised vehicle database in the country is managed by the Federal Road Safety Corps.
“Is there an enabling law? If tickets are issued, what is the mechanism to challenge them? Enforcement without safeguards is harassment with a digital interface,” he wrote.
Also weighing in, Mr Kunle Edun (SAN), former National Publicity Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association, described the CCTV deployment as a welcome development but warned against constitutional breaches.
“An offence cannot be committed where it does not exist. Speed limit signposts must be clearly installed because not all roads have the same approved limits,” he said.
Edun added that no agency can simultaneously act as investigator, prosecutor and judge, stressing that such a practice would violate motorists’ right to fair hearing.
He urged the government to ensure proper sensitisation, visible signage and due process.
“The introduction of CCTV cameras at strategic points in Warri, Effurun, Udu and environs is a welcome development and will help reduce the usual traffic chaos we have been experiencing in these areas.
“However, this initiative is coming to many Deltans. I doubt if most of the members of the motoring public are aware of these developments. Therefore, there is a need for aggressive sensitization and enlightenment by the Delta State Government, if this innovation must succeed.
The area of concern is the new practice of secretly recording motorists that engage in over-speeding. I am not aware of any signpost indicating speed limit on any of our roads in Warri,Asaba, Effurun, Udu and environs. An offence cannot be committed where it does not exist.
“In saner climes, speed limit signposts are installed in designated and strategic points for motorists to be aware, because not all roads have the same approved speed limit. I don’t think anyone knows the speed limit on Airport road, Warri/Sapele road or PTI road.
“Hiding this information in a book somewhere is not enough. There must be public awareness. If the primary motive of the government in installing CCTV cameras on the roads is to reduce the rate of death and reckless driving on our roads, and not for revenue generation, then the government must install speed limit signposts in conspicuous places on the roads where these cameras are. There should be no deceit.
“Also, motorists should be notified immediately or within a reasonable time of any traffic offence committed by them and be allowed to challenge such allegation, if they want to,” Edun added.
Meanwhile, another Facebook user, Sucre Papii, alleged technical glitches, claiming his vehicle was flagged for expired licence despite having valid documentation, and was detected again for the same offence even after rectification.
