The Cross River State Government has ordered the immediate shutdown of six unlicensed motor parks in Calabar, warning operators to stop loading activities or face sanctions.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Kingsley Egumi, who disclosed this on Monday in Calabar listed the affected parks to include PHED Office, IBB Way by Etta Agbor, MCC Junction, Army Junction by the “Welcome to Calabar” sign, Mary Slessor by the Cultural Centre and Ekpo Abasi Junction.

The Ministry said it had observed the proliferation of motor parks operating across the capital city without valid operational licences issued by the government, a development it described as a threat to order, safety and regulation in the transport sector.

To enforce compliance, the Ministry said its task force would commence inspections of motor parks on Friday, November 13, to check licences and ensure operators meet established ministry standards.

It also extended the warning to other unauthorised locations across the state, urging operators without valid operational licences to regularise their status immediately.

The Ministry warned that operators who fail to comply would face appropriate sanctions, although the statement did not specify the penalties or identify alternative loading points for affected drivers and commuters.

The enforcement exercise, the Ministry said, was aimed at ensuring an orderly, safe and regulated transportation system across Cross River State.

The move is expected to affect hundreds of commercial drivers and daily commuters who rely on the listed junctions, as the government moves to sanitise the transport system in the state capital. (The Guardian)