In a statement released on Thursday, the head of TRACE clarified that it is incorrect for those who are discovered obstructing traffic while planning social gatherings or parties to claim they have the necessary permissions from the municipal and state governments.
Residents have been cautioned by Seni Ogunyemi, Commander and Chief Executive Officer of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency, not to block roads in the name of social gatherings.
According to Ogunyemi, it is unlawful to close down highways in order to host parties or other social events.
In a statement released on Thursday, the head of TRACE clarified that it is incorrect for those who are discovered obstructing traffic while planning social gatherings or parties to claim they have the necessary permissions from the municipal and state governments.
He emphasized that constant public education was necessary to stop such criminal behavior, noting that TRACE police focus more on sensitization than enforcement.
Ogunyemi said, “It is illegal to block roads for social parties under sections six and seven of the law which established TRACE. The problem is lawlessness on the part of the people.
“They always say that they got permits from local governments but they do not know that it is only to organise social parties and not block public roads. TRACE must be involved too, to have a free flow of traffic at such social gatherings”.
He explained that the agency was not established purposely to generate revenue but those caught for one offence or another might be referred to other agencies such as the Ministry of Health for psychiatric evaluation.
Ogunyemi also informed that TRACE was empowered to serve on all roads such as Trunks B and C roads which fall under the state governments, as well as Trunk A which are federal roads that link other states.
He said checking vehicle documents falls within the agency’s purview, while ‘stop and search’ is outside their jurisdiction, pointing out that his officers and men were professionals, highly trained to work day and night.
The commander advised motorists in the state “to always plan their journey, manage their time well and not be in haste, use seat belt, avoid making calls while driving, as well as obey traffic laws of the state.”
