Ahead of the Yuletide celebrations, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency TRACE has warned individuals, event planners, associations, corporate or religious organizations against obstructing and or blocking of access roads during the festive period and beyond
A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, TRACE, Cdr. Babatunde Akinbiyi on behalf of the most senior officer in charge of the day to day running and schedule of duty of the agency, Cdr Elias Omonayajo and made available to journalists in Abeokuta, indicated this.
This warning became necessary, according to the TRACE boss due to the outright disregard for other road users by some individuals, community associations, street revellers and religious and social event organisers, which usually lead to unwanted and gruelling gridlock, with its attendant safety concerns and untold hardship.
Cdr Omonayajo noted that both major and inner streets belonged to the public and should not in any way be turned to party or meeting or recreation spots under any guise.
“As we are celebrating, we must be sensitive about what we do. Nobody, no association,social or religious body has the right to obstruct or block major or inner streets for any social or religious activities.
“It is wrong because it would definitely affect free movement of vehicular and human traffic, thereby causing untold hardship to motorists, residents among others,”he said.
Meanwhile, the agency has directed owners of event centres, lounges and clubs, particularly those operating in densely populated areas such as Ijebu-Ode, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ota, Ifo, Akute, Mowe-Ibafo, Ikenne and other adjoining communities, to ensure proper and sufficient parking arrangements for their customers.
It warned that establishments whose guests regularly spill onto major roads with indiscriminate parking will face strict enforcement actions, heavy penalties and possible closure as provided under existing traffic laws.
Cdr Omonayajo added that TRACE is committed to maintaining free movement of vehicles, people, goods and services throughout the festive season, which is usually associated with increased traffic and celebrations during the Yuletide and beyond.
He promised that the agency will heighten surveillance, enhance operational visibility and deploy effective traffic management measures to prevent road obstructions, curb illegal parking and eradicate all manner of traffic violations.
The TRACE boss appealed to residents, social, religious and event organisers to act responsibly by securing necessary approvals, putting proper logistics in place and cooperating fully with TRACE personnel and other relevant agencies to ensure a safe and congestion-free festive period.
Having strengthened its operational framework to guarantee rapid response to rescue and emergencies, he added that traffic incidents and the quick removal of broken-down vehicles across Ogun 18 major traffic corridors are guaranteed.
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