Enforce Relocation Of Markets From Highways – FRSC

The Federal Road Safety Corps has urged state governments to enforce the relocation of markets from highways to safer sites.

According to FRSC Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, markets along highways in the country are a threat to the safety of road users, adding that last month’s unfortunate crash at Akungba Akoko in Ondo State was one of the many fatal accidents caused by the presence of markets along the highways.

Oyeyemi spoke on Thursday while featuring in a television programme in Abuja monitored by our correspondent.

He said, “The resolution of the National Council is that all markets must leave the right of way and we are going to work with the various Comptrollers of Works and give an ultimatum to them. The state governments must also enforce the relocation of markets by the roadsides. Apart from causing a lot of traffic challenges, the threat to the safety of lives and property is a fundamental issue that must be addressed.”

The FRSC boss advised owners of private vehicles to seek the services of professional drivers for long-distance trips during the Christmas and New Year period.

He said, “We have more private vehicles involved in road crashes during the Yuletide season. The reason is that a lot of private vehicles are put on the road and most private drivers are not used to long-distance driving, they are not used to road fatigue. That is why we raised the campaign that even if you want to travel, you can go to some of these professional offices where you can get drivers to assist you.”

Oyeyemi also called on local government authorities in the country to ban the sale of alcoholic substances at parks within their domains.

Our correspondent had earlier reported that the Corps said it deployed 25,224 operatives, 7,100 officers, 18,124 Marshals and 15,225 Special Marshals to manage traffic along the various road corridors to curb the gridlock usually experienced by travellers during the Yuletide.