Government warns motorists and commercial transport operators against traffic-light violations, illegal parking and road obstruction
The Ondo State Government has introduced fresh measures to decongest roads and restore order in Akure, with commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators facing new restrictions around the Government House axis in Alagbaka.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Hon. Muyiwa Ogunyemi, announced the measures during a media chat with journalists at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure.
Ogunyemi said commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders, would no longer be permitted to operate freely around the Government House area, noting that designated routes had been mapped out for them.
According to him, Okada riders approaching the Government House axis would only be allowed to proceed towards the Police Officers’ Mess, while the route through First Bank, Alagbaka, would terminate around the Teaching Service Commission area.
He also directed motorcycle and tricycle operators currently operating around the Post Office area to relocate as part of efforts to ease congestion on major roads.
The transportation adviser warned that the government would no longer allow roads, bus stops and other public spaces to be turned into trading points, workshops or business centres.
He said government-provided bus stops must be used strictly for their intended purpose, particularly by commercial transport operators, rather than being occupied by traders or converted to other uses.
Ogunyemi said the government was determined to reclaim public spaces and ensure that roads remained accessible to motorists and other road users.
The government also announced tougher enforcement of traffic regulations across the state capital.
Ogunyemi warned motorists, Okada riders and tricycle operators against ignoring traffic signals, saying violators would be arrested and prosecuted.
He particularly condemned the practice of motorcycles and tricycles moving ahead of other vehicles before the traffic light turns green.
The adviser also cautioned motorists against blocking lanes at intersections where vehicles are permitted to make turns.
He said the government had initially focused on sensitisation and public enlightenment but would now move into a stronger enforcement phase.
Ogunyemi linked the new measures to the ongoing infrastructure development in Akure, including the construction of the flyover and other road projects.
He urged residents to change their attitude towards the use of roads, stressing that improved infrastructure could only deliver its full benefits when road users obey traffic rules.
He disclosed that the government was also planning to install zebra crossings and speed-limit signs, particularly around schools, to improve pedestrian safety and reduce accidents.
On the scarcity of vehicle and motorcycle number plates in the state, Ogunyemi said the government had addressed the challenge and introduced measures to improve the security features of the plates.
He said the state was working with the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service and its consultant to ensure that vehicle owners who complete their registration receive their plates promptly.
The adviser warned residents against patronising unauthorised roadside producers of number plates, stressing that registration plates serve as important security identifiers.
Ogunyemi appealed to transport operators, motorists, traders and other residents to cooperate with the government, saying the measures were aimed at creating a more organised transportation system and making Akure safer and easier to navigate.
He added that the ultimate goal was to ensure that commuters could reach their destinations without unnecessary obstruction or harassment while promoting mutual respect among all categories of road users.
