The Federal Road Safety Corps says it has activated 16 traffic control camps and 23 help areas across the country to ensure smooth movement before, during, and after the yuletide season.

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said this in a statement issued by the corps public education officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, on Monday in Abuja, as part of the 2024 Operation Zero Tolerance.

Operation Zero Tolerance, which commenced on December 15, will run until Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

Mr Mohammed said the initiative aimed to combat traffic gridlock and reduce road crashes, injuries, and fatalities during the busy end-of-year travel period.

He emphasised that, in addition to traffic control camps, the FRSC deployed radar guns to monitor speed violations and was manning 53 critical routes nationwide.

“Commanding officers have been directed to maintain 24-hour observation in high-traffic and gridlock-prone areas. The FRSC has fully mobilised 59 emergency ambulance points, roadside clinics, and 24/7 broadcasts on National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM to assist motorists.

“The operation will be run in shifts—6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., 2: 00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.—with night rescue teams on standby at all operational commands.

“The focus will be on key corridors such as the Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega-Birnin Kebbi route, Kaduna-Saminaka-Jos, and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, among others.”

Mr Mohammed explained that the decision to implement an early and comprehensive approach to road safety in 2024 was driven by patterns observed during previous festive periods.

He said these included an increase in traffic volume, excessive speeding, and the overloading of vehicles. He also noted that using mechanically deficient vehicles during the festive season had been a major concern.

“The factors mentioned above are known to be major causes of chaos and indiscipline among all classes of road users. This leads to crashes, fatalities, loss of property, as well as traffic congestion and gridlocks.

“The operation, which complements the ongoing aggressive sensitisation during the ember months, will address broad areas of traffic control and decongestion.

“It will also include public enlightenment, enforcement, prompt response to crash victims, route management, among others,” he said. 

(NAN)