The Ogun State Government has expressed concern over the persistent practice of motorcyclist overloading their motorcycles with passengers, describing it as a major contributor to avoidable road traffic crashes in the state.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Olugbenga Dairo, raised the concern during the Articulate Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (AMORAN) Motorbike Taxi Overloading Sensitisation Programme in Abeokuta
Represented by the Director of Transport Research and Development, Babatunde Omisakin, the Commissioner noted that the sensitisation programme was timely, especially as the festive period approaches.
He stressed the need for effective coordination among AMORAN branch executives to curb unsafe riding practices that often result in serious injuries and fatalities.
Omisakin explained that the act of conveying more than one passenger on a motorbike contravenes traffic regulations and posed serious danger to both riders and passengers, urging the unions to ensure strict compliance with safety rules across the State.
In his address, Director of Vehicle Inspection Services (VIS), Olugboyega Ademehin, advised that all motorcycles be properly registered, licensed and fitted with duly affixed plate numbers before being operated on the road, warning that defaulters would face sanctions, including arrest and prosecution.
Also speaking, the Acting Corps Commander of the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), Elias Omonayajo, reiterated that the law permitted only one passenger on a motorbike at a time, adding that the use of helmets by both riders and passengers was mandatory.
He called for regular training and retraining of riders to enhance road safety and public order.
Responding on behalf of the Union, Deputy Chairman, AMORAN, Ogun tate, Lawal Kazeem, assured the State government of the Union’s commitment to enforcing regulations against passenger overloading.
He added that AMORAN remained committed to promoting professionalism, discipline and cooperation with relevant government agencies.
Mr Kazeem further appealed to the state government to intensify efforts at making more plate numbers available to ensure proper registration and licensing of commercial motorcycles across the Gateway State.
Carrying more than one passenger contravenes traffic regulations – Ogun govt warns motorcyclist
