The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency in Ogun State on Thursday in Abeokuta said it has begun what it tagged “Operation Safe and Responsible Driving” for the Easter holidays.

The TRACE Commander and Chief Executive Officer, Seni Ogunyemi, disclosed in a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi.

He said this was to ensure the safety of travellers before, during and after the Easter festivities.

Mr Ogunyemi assured that the agency would ensure total compliance with and obedience of all road signs, rules and regulations.

“TRACE has deployed its operational capacity from all the 65 commands to guarantee safety on 18 major traffic corridors across the state before, during and after the festivities.

“The exercise tagged ‘Safe and responsible driving, a must’ is in line with our operational guidelines for the Easter Special Patrol Schedule throughout the state. The operation began on Tuesday and will end on April, 5,” he said.

The TRACE commander explained that the operation involved the full deployment of resources to man strategic beats and checkpoints to minimise the excesses of recalcitrant motorists.

He stated, “We are aware that the Easter celebration will generate heavy flow of human and vehicular movement, which may bring about the attendant traffic build-up, breakdown of ill-maintained vehicles, obstruction and road traffic crashes.”

Mr Ogunyemi however urged motorists to avoid unnecessary speed, night travels, overloading, use of worn-out tyres and driving in a direction prohibited by law.

He also directed the agency’s commanding officers to ensure that TRACE operatives were “presentable, civil, professional, fair and firm where and when it was needed and necessary.”

The TRACE commander also implored road users to observe strict compliance with traffic rules and regulations.

”This is because any vehicle caught contravening any of the traffic rules and regulations during the celebration will not be released until later in April when TRACE would have ended its Easter Operation Order,” he warned.

Mr Ogunyemi however appealed for feedback from members of the public, in case of emergency situations, through the following numbers: 08062703568, 08034919165 and 07034919165.

(NAN)