ONITSHA (ANAMBRA), Anambra  state Government  said it was planning to abolish touting and illegal levies being collected by unauthorised agents in the state.
The Commissioner for Transport, Mr Chuma Mbonu, made the disclosure while speaking to newsmen in Onitsha.
According to him, the activities of touts and illegal levy collectors on the roads in recent times are embarrassing to the government.
Mbonu said the government was contemplating the coming together of various transport unions with a view to assisting in identifying the perpetrators of the illegal activities.
He said security agents, community vigilance groups as well as prominent people in each community should join hands with the government in eradicating the illegal activities.
“There is a need for all hands to be on deck to help to improve the transport sector as the state government cannot do it alone.
“Today, as I speak to you, two groups in the transport sector have united in a bid to help the government flush out criminals in the transport sector of the state.
“The groups are Auto-bike Owners Welfare Association of Nigeria (OAWAN) and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN).
“With the groups united and other modalities being fashioned out by the government, touting, illegal levy collection and outright extortion on the roads will be completely eliminated,’’ he said.
Mbonu urged residents, especially children living along the Onitsha-Enugu road to always use the pedestrian bridges provided for their safety.
“The state government is committed to improving road infrastructure.
“However, our people must ensure they use the infrastructure to justify the good intention of the government.
“We have built more pedestrian bridges, provided traffic booths and personnel at each road junction in the state; put in more road signs, road markings and zebra crossing lines where necessary to ensure safety of all.’’