….Threatens Prosecution of Traffic Violators
The Ondo State Government has banned the operation of commercial motorcycles and tricycles around the Government House axis in Alagbaka, Akure, as part of measures to improve traffic management and enforce compliance with road regulations.
The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Transportation, Hon. Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi, disclosed this during a Press conference in Akure on Tuesday.
Ogunyemi said the government would also begin strict enforcement of traffic regulations, warning that motorists, commercial motorcycle riders and other road users who violate traffic laws, particularly traffic light signals, would be arrested and prosecuted.
According to him, the ban around the Government House corridor forms part of efforts to modernise transportation infrastructure and ensure the free flow of traffic in the state capital.
He explained that commercial motorcycle operators would only be allowed to operate up to designated points within the area.
According to him, riders approaching from the Police Officers’ Mess route will be restricted to approved locations, while those coming through the First Bank area in Alagbaka will terminate their operations around the Teaching Service Commission axis.
He added that tricycle operators and commercial motorcycle riders currently operating around the Post Office area would also be required to relocate in line with the new traffic arrangements.
“The people living in the state capital should know that it is no longer business as usual. They must obey traffic lights and traffic regulations. We want to ensure that we do more on enforcement, having already commenced sensitisation and enlightenment for road users,” he said.
The Special Adviser warned that commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, and tricycle operators who disregard traffic signals would face prosecution.
“We have noticed that Okada riders and tricycle operators often fail to wait for the green signal before moving. Such behaviour will not be tolerated. Anyone who violates traffic regulations will be arrested and prosecuted,” Ogunyemi stated.
He also frowned at the indiscriminate use of public spaces designated for transportation purposes, accusing some residents of converting bus stops and road shoulders into trading points and workshops.
“For instance, we have noticed that some people have taken over various bus stops and turned them into business centres. Some people have even converted sections of the roads into workshops. This is unacceptable,” he said.
Ogunyemi stressed that all designated bus stops must be used strictly for passenger pick-up and drop-off, warning that the government would no longer tolerate illegal parking or the display of goods on road corridors.
He noted that additional traffic management facilities, including zebra crossings and speed limit signs, would be installed, particularly around schools and other sensitive locations, to enhance road safety.
“People should cooperate with the government to allow the free flow of traffic. Government is doing everything possible to make the state capital a better place,” he said.
He urged motorists, commercial transport operators and other road users to pay attention to road signs and comply with traffic regulations to avoid sanctions.