OYRTMA TO IMPOUND RIGHT-HAND-DRIVE VEHICLES FOLLOWING GHASTLY CRASH THAT CLAIMED LIVES IN IBADAN

The Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA) has revealed its readiness to impound and prosecute right-hand-drive vehicles caught in any part of the State.

This was contained in a statement issued today by the Executive Chairman, Mogaji (Dr.) Akin Fagbemi at the administrative headquarters of the Agency, Agodi, Ibadan.

In part, the statement read, “sequel to the continuous breach of the Section 71 of the 2004 National Road Traffic Regulation that stipulates that no vehicle with right-hand steering be registered or numbered, the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority would henceforth impound and prosecute any of such vehicle.

This is as a result of numerous road traffic accidents attributed to right-hand wheels which had become illegal nationwide since 1972 through the Right-hand Steering Drive change-over Act that made it an offence for anyone to import or use right-hand steering vehicle in the country as it constitutes hazardous practice for both the user and other road users.”.

Dr. Fagbemi further revealed that last week alone, over three fatal accidents due to right-hand-drive occurred in Oyo State alone with over nine casualties recorded.

He however concluded that the Authority would commence the Operation-no right-hand with immediate effect in Oyo State inline with the Governor Seyi Makinde’s irrevocable commitment to the safety of lives and properties of citizens and residents of the State.