Oyo State government has declared that it will strictly control the influx and operations of commercial motorcycles in the state.
The government made the declaration against the background of the ban of commercial motorcycles in some areas in Lagos State.
The statement stressing the need to control possible influx into the state was made by the Chairman, Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority, OYRTMA, Dr. Akin Fagbemi in Ibadan on Monday.
His words: “We are aware of the massive exodus of affected motorcycle operators to Oyo State, which is anticipated, but I assure you, that OYRTMA is on top of its game.
“As we earnestly await the position of the state government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde on the proscription or otherwise of motorcycles within the major highways in the state, it is crucial we get ourselves prepared for what is to come.”
He further revealed that although the state was reputed for its hospitality, it would take proactive steps to stop any breach in the security of Oyo State or overstretching of the available infrastructure.
Dr. Fagbemi disclosed that OYRTMA had put in place measures to have a central database of all commercial cabs, tricycles and motorcycle operators within the state, so that the identity of all operators and their vehicles would be known to government.
The chairman revealed that measures were at advance stage to kick-start the routing of all commercial cabs, tricycles and motorcycles across the state.
That, he said, would enable easy identification in cases of stolen vehicles/machines, road crashes and operational axis.
Similarly, Fagbemi said with the support of sister security agencies, OYRTMA would continue with its ‘Special Operation-one-Passenger’ (SOOP), which directs motorcycle operators within the state to carry only one passenger as against the common practice of two or more passengers.
The statement added that the operation, which started January, 2020, had brought to book, over two hundred offenders who he said were facing Mobile Magistrate Court for legal adjudication and sanctions, if found guilty.
He further urged commercial cab drivers to desist from carrying more than a passenger on their front seats, while he also called on tricycle riders to stop carrying passengers on their front seats.
He stressed that the measures were aimed at reducing road crashes and preserving lives and properties of the good people of Oyo State.
