TRACE warns Ogun residents against blocking roads for social events

Ag. TRACE Commander, Elias Omonayajo…Photo: TRACE

The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency has warned residents of the state against obstructing and blocking access roads for social events as the yuletide season approaches.

TRACE spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday on behalf of the Acting Commander of the agency, Elias Omonayajo.

Akinbiyi noted that the warning became necessary due to the recurring action of some individuals who obstruct roads for social events, thereby causing unnecessary gridlock.

He stated, “This warning became necessary due to the outright disregard for other road users by some individuals, community associations, street revellers, and religious and social event organisers, which usually leads to unwanted and gruelling gridlock, with its attendant safety concerns and untold hardship.

“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 the free movement of vehicular and human traffic, thereby causing untold hardship to motorists, residents, among others.”

He noted that the agency has directed social event centres and organisers in densely populated areas to ensure proper parking arrangements for their customers.

Akinbiyi warned that violators of the road-blocking directive face heavy sanctions, while establishments that violate the directive may be closed down.

He added, “The agency will intensify surveillance, enhance operational visibility, and deploy proactive traffic management measures to prevent road obstructions, curb illegal parking, and eradicate all manner of traffic violations.

“The TRACE boss urged 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.”

He concluded by assuring residents of the agency’s commitment to ensuring the free flow of traffic across the state’s 18 traffic corridors.