Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has impounded 41 vehicles for traffic laws violations offences.
OYRTMA also warned motorists to shun any act of lawlessness and always obey traffic laws in the state.
The Executive Chairman/CEO of OYRTMA, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd) who disclosed this in an interview with journalists after one of the authority’s operations in Ibadan, the state capital, said the operation was targetted one-way drivers, traffic light violators, and illegal garages that had been a persistent source of congestion and inconvenience for road users.
The imponded vehicles include three Nissan Micras, three commercial buses, 17 motorcycles and private vehicles plying one-way, those operating illegal garages, and causing obstructions on major roads in Ibadan.
Beginning from Iwo Road Under-Bridge to Ojoo, Sango, Mokola, Agodi-Gate, ending at Idi-Ape traffic light junction, the agency’s officials were seen arresting traffic law offenders.
Adekoya said OYRTMA had the responsibility of maintaining the state’s road traffic laws, as well as maintaining orderliness and control of road traffic in the state.
”Today makes it one year in office. I was appointed as the executive chairman of OYRTMA, and instead of sitting in the comfort of my office, we came out to evaluate our enforcement drive. One of the strategies for road management all over the world is enforcement.
He said, the authority did not just go on the road to look for offenders, but also to sensitise and educate residents and road users on the dangers attached to traffic laws violations.
“We take our awareness campaign to the garages and market places. I have been in many stations, enlightening the populace about the need for them to obey traffic laws. So, it is a sad thing to note that people still drive one-way.
“The danger is so high because it endangers the lives of the pedestrians and even the motorists themselves, especially in these ’ember’ months because a lot of people are on the road for one thing or the other.
“More functions are fixed for this period, and therefore, there will be a lot of movements, so there is a need to exercise caution” he added.
Adekoya, who frowned at the offenders for violations of rules, said his office will not relent in the enforcement of traffic rules in the state.
“Now the government has established a tribunal to try offenders, and before you know it, some people will find themselves in prisons. Our (ORTYMA) law is going through an amendment phase where we will have an enhanced punishment for violators of our traffic laws,” the chairman said.
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