Babatunde Solanke,Lagos
Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, TRACE, has advised motorists against driving vehicles with loaded containers filled with petroleum products in view of its attendant consequences.
TRACE Commander/Chief Executive, Cdr. ‘Seni Ogunyemi, who stated this while addressing newsmen in Abeokuta, maintained that though the country is experiencing the challenge of fuel distribution, it is risky and dangerous for motorists, especially commercial bus and taxi drivers to move around petroleum products in jerry cans inside the booths of vehicles and on passenger seats.
He reminded motorists that as the ember months peak, with the dry season setting in, it is also risky and dangerous for drivers to carry fuel in jerry cans and bottles while on transit, as this may speed up havoc of immense proportion.
Empathizing with the motoring public on the prolonged queues and waste of productive man hours at filling stations due to fuel scarcity, the TRACE boss described the situation as unfortunate.
He urged motorists across the state to maintain order at petrol stations to minimize traffic gridlock presently being experienced at several parts of the state, particularly in Abeokuta metropolis.
He stated that TRACE operatives have been directed to assist motorists whose vehicles breakdown on the road due to insufficient fuel, along and around filling stations and other road users whose movement are hindered and also caused untold hardship, as a result of reckless parking, in addition to driving against traffic, which is prevalent at major traffic flash point of the state.