The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has launched Operation “Safe and Responsible Driving… A Must” across 18 major traffic corridors in the state as part of its Christmas and New Year special patrol programme.

The initiative, which aligns with the agency’s yuletide operational guidelines, is aimed at ensuring smooth traffic flow, enhanced road safety and rapid emergency response throughout the festive period.

Speaking with journalists in Abeokuta, the most senior officer of the agency, Commander Elias Omonayajo, said the operation would focus on effective traffic control, quick removal of obstructions, and prompt rescue and emergency services on a 24-hour basis.

According to him, the operation will remain in force during and after the Christmas and New Year celebrations to guarantee safety, security and free movement of vehicles across key routes in the state.

The corridors covered include the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway; Interchange–Sagamu–Ijebu Ode–Benin–Ore Expressway; Sango/Ota–Atan–Owode–Idiroko Highway; Atan–Lusada–Agbara–Badagry Road; Abeokuta–Kobape–Siun–Interchange Expressway; Abeokuta–Ewekoro–Ifo–Sango/Ota Expressway; and the Rounder–Abeokuta–Olorunda–Ayetoro–Imeko–Ilara Border route, among others.

Commander Omonayajo explained that TRACE personnel from all commands have been fully deployed to strategic locations, beats and checkpoints along the corridors to curb traffic violations by motorists, tricyclists and motorcyclists.

He noted that the festive season often comes with increased vehicular and human movement, leading to traffic congestion, vehicle breakdowns, road obstructions and crashes if not properly managed.

The TRACE boss urged all road users to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy by fixing faulty components that could endanger others. He also advised against speeding, night travel, overloading, use of worn-out tyres and driving against traffic.