The Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), the umbrella body of journalists covering the automotive industry in the country, has called for a more proactive measure from state governments to arrest and contravening motorists using faded vehicle number plates across the country.

NAJA Chairman, Mr Mike Ochonma, who made this position known in a statement made available to newsmen over the weekend wondered why the unsuspecting vehicle owners are subjected to such a traumatic experience when they processed and procured their number plates from the relevant authorities.

Mike Ochonma while recognising the efforts of the various authorities in curbing the increasing number of faded number plates in use across the country also challenged authorities producing the number plates to use quality paint and other printing materials that will have a longer life span.

This measure he noted, will save vehicle owners from the harrowing experience they face regularly in the hands of both the state VIS officials, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Police and other statutory authorities.

The NAJA Chairman also recommended that owners of faded vehicle number plates if arrested or stopped on the road for such reasons and it is proved that, the vehicle owner can either be given a period of grace within which to get a new one at a discounted price at the time when they are renewing their vehicle particulars

Some of the motorists said on many occasions, they were made to pay varying amounts of heavy fines of up to N20,000 and above with further directive to procure a new number plate for no fault of theirs in addition to the alleged contravention.