Anambra Motorists Park Vehicles as Police Insist Enforcement is for Public Safety

Following the renewed enforcement of the tinted glass regulation by the Anambra State Police Command, several motorists across the state have parked their vehicles, opting to await further clarification on the directive.

Over the weekend, traffic was noticeably lighter in major towns such as Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi, as many private car owners with tinted windows stayed off the roads. Although no active enforcement teams were seen in some areas, the development sparked uncertainty among drivers and transport operators.

Some motorists told journalists that they were unsure of the current legal status of tinted glass enforcement, especially after reports of a court order purportedly halting the exercise. “We heard that the matter is in court, so we thought enforcement was on hold. But since the police have resumed checking, I decided to park my car until things become clearer,” said a resident of Awka, who identified himself simply as Chibuzo.

However, the Anambra State Police Command has maintained that the exercise is strictly for public safety and not intended to harass law-abiding citizens. The Command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the operation aims to curb the misuse of tinted glasses by criminal elements to conceal their identities and activities.

“The enforcement is part of our proactive measures to enhance public safety and security in the state. We urge motorists with factory-fitted tinted glasses or valid permits to cooperate with our officers. This is not a witch-hunt,” Ikenga stated.

He added that the Command remains committed to ensuring that enforcement is carried out professionally and with respect for citizens’ rights.

Meanwhile, some civil society groups have urged the police to conduct more public sensitisation to prevent confusion and ensure that motorists understand the requirements for compliance.

They also called on the government to simplify the process of obtaining legitimate permits to reduce bottlenecks and opportunities for extortion.

As the situation unfolds, residents of Anambra continue to watch closely, hoping for clarity on how long the enforcement will last and what measures will be taken to balance public safety with the convenience of law-abiding motorists.