Ondo Govt Announces New Traffic Rules, Alternative Routes Ahead of Akure Flyover Construction
The Ondo State Government has announced new traffic regulations and alternative routes in Akure, the state capital, as part of measures to ease movement during the construction of a flyover along Upper Adesida Road.
The government also warned that it would begin enforcing traffic regulations, including restrictions on roadside parking, illegal trading on roads and walkways, indiscriminate use of bus stops and disobedience of traffic lights.
The Special Adviser to Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Transport, Olumuyiwa Ogunyemi, disclosed this on Tuesday while addressing members of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Akure.
Ogunyemi said the government had decided to engage critical stakeholders, including transport unions, security agencies, traders and the media, before commencing full enforcement.
He said the alternative routes were designed to ensure the free flow of traffic during the construction of the Upper Adesida flyover.
According to him, motorists would be directed through various connecting roads around Ilesha Garage, Ojaoba, Alagbaka, Arakale and other parts of the metropolis, depending on their destinations.
He explained that some of the alternative roads had recently been rehabilitated to make them suitable for increased traffic and urged motorists to familiarise themselves with the routes before enforcement begins.
The transport adviser also announced restrictions on commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, around the Government House area.
He clarified that the restriction would not amount to a blanket ban on motorcycles across Akure, but would apply specifically to commercial motorcycles accessing the Government House route for safety and security reasons.
Commercial motorcyclists would be allowed to drop passengers at designated points before the restricted area, while private motorcycles and vehicles would still have access to permitted routes.
Ogunyemi also announced a ban on parking along major roads within Akure metropolis.
He said the government had identified several public car parks that motorists could use instead of obstructing major roads.
He particularly cited the Alagbaka axis, where available car parks are expected to accommodate motorists whose vehicles would otherwise be parked along the road.
The government also plans to remove commercial vehicles and tricycles operating as makeshift bus stops at unauthorised locations, particularly around major intersections.
Ogunyemi said some motorists and businesses had taken advantage of public roads and recently rehabilitated routes by using them for parking, trading and other commercial activities.
He warned that such practices would no longer be tolerated.
He also directed that roads and walkways must be kept free of traders and displayed goods, stressing that pedestrian walkways were constructed for pedestrians and not for commercial activities.
The government further warned against converting designated bus stops into shops, workshops and food stalls.
According to Ogunyemi, some bus stops along major roads had been taken over by traders and artisans, thereby defeating the purpose for which they were constructed.
On traffic lights, he said the government would intensify public sensitisation and enforcement, particularly against motorists and commercial transport operators who disregard traffic signals.
He expressed concern over the practice of motorists moving before traffic lights turn green, saying such violations could result in serious accidents.
He said enforcement officers would be deployed to monitor traffic violations and that offenders could be arrested, prosecuted and have their vehicles impounded.
Ogunyemi also announced plans to reposition the Sunshine Traffic Control Officers through new uniforms, equipment and a renewed operational strategy.
He said the government was considering a system under which motorists could pay to park in designated roadside parking areas in parts of the city, similar to arrangements in some major cities.
He stressed that the objective of the measures was not to create hardship for residents but to improve traffic flow, road safety and movement of people and goods across Akure.
The transport adviser urged motorists, traders, transport operators and residents to cooperate with the government as the new measures are introduced.
He said the government would continue to assess the situation and make adjustments where necessary as construction and traffic management operations progress.
