Worried by acts of lawlessness being exhibited by some recalcitrant drivers who operate along Ibadan-Lagos expressway through the use of one way and driving against traffic particularly at OPIC-Berger junction, the Lagos State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC), Corps Commander Olusegun Ogungbemide has threatened offending drivers of vehicle impoundment and prosecution before the mobile court. The Sector Commander gave this indication in a press statement issued in Lagos wherein he expressed dismay at the level of disregard to traffic rules and regulations by some drivers whose acts cause chaos and plight to other road users.
The warning came against the backdrop of the recent deterioration of traffic along the axis as a result of impatience of the drivers, noting that the Command has been partnering with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure effective traffic management and free flow of traffic along the route such that the ongoing rehabilitation would not lead to additional sufferings by motorists. He further disclosed that with the recent experience in traffic gridlock, the Command has taken a decision to go harder on the route violators by taking drastic measures.
These, he said include impoundment of the affected vehicles and prosecution of the offenders. “Those that are fond of taking one way and driving against traffic by which they cause avoidable gridlock would henceforth be met with stiffer punishment and would be prosecuted before the mobile court while their vehicles would remain impounded to serve as deterrence to others.
The Sector Commander added that the Corps is determined to check the excesses of the drivers to ensure that they conform to the highest level of road discipline. He urged everyone to show restraint and avoid acts capable of undermining safety and convenience of other road users. While commending the initiative of the Federal Government in the rehabilitation of the road, he assured the Ministry of Works and Housing that the Lagos State command of the FRSC will continue to show solidarity to it through partnership for effective traffic management and aggressive enforcement of traffic rules and regulations.
Corps Commander Ogungbemide reassured members of the public that with the ongoing reconstruction, more road spaces would be available and dedicated diversions would be created to accommodate traffic, adding that the presence of law enforcement agencies would serve as deterrence to traffic violators. He noted that if everyone cooperates, traffic could flow smoothly and motorists would pass without experiencing hardship.
The Sector Commander, therefore appealed to drivers to desist from driving against traffic and endeavour to observe all dedicated road diversions towards preventing unnecessary delays and holdup on the highway.
It would be recalled that due to the activities of drivers who drive against traffic by taking one way, commuters along Ibadan-Lagos expressway have been subjected untold hardships necessitating public outcry.
E-signed by: Route Commander Olabisi Sonusi anipr
FRSC Public Education Officer
Dated: 30th August, 2022
