The Ondo State government says it will intensify enforcement of traffic regulations to curb violations by road users in Akure and other parts of the state.

It also warned motorists, commercial motorcyclists, tricycle operators, and other road users to obey traffic lights and other road signs or face arrest and prosecution.

The Special Adviser (S.A.) to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Transportation, Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi, said this on Tuesday during a media chat at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Akure.

Mr Ogunyemi said the decision followed the ongoing sensitisation designed to prepare residents for changes in the state’s traffic management system, particularly with the emergence of new infrastructure projects.

He said the government would no longer tolerate violations of traffic regulations, stressing that road users must adapt to modern traffic management systems.

“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. Commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada riders, and tricycle operators should stop violating traffic signals.

“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,” he stated.

The S.A. also announced restrictions on the movement of commercial motorcyclists around the Government House axis in Alagbaka, saying operators would only be permitted at designated points.

According to him, riders approaching the Police Officers’ Mess route will be restricted to approved locations, while those coming through the First Bank area in Alagbaka will terminate operations around the Teaching Service Commission axis.

Mr Ogunyemi added that tricycle operators and commercial motorcyclists currently operating around the post office area would also be required to relocate under the new traffic arrangements.

He expressed concern over the conversion of public spaces meant for transportation into trading points and workshops, describing the development as unacceptable.

“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.

“Designated bus stops must be used strictly for passenger pick-up and drop-off, adding that illegal parking and the display of goods on road corridors would no longer be tolerated.

“People should cooperate with the government to allow the free flow of traffic. The government is doing everything possible to make the state capital a better place,” he said.

 (NAN)