The Oyo State Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) last Wednesday lauded the Federal Government’s planned provision of parks for tankers and articulated vehicles, saying this would reduce road accidents.

The State FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Godwin Ogagaoghene, told newsmen in Ibadan that the initiative would also help to tackle highway indiscipline by tanker drivers who park indiscriminately on the highways.

“The Federal Government’s planned parks are a step in the right direction with many benefits for road safety and traffic management.

“You find that in some very strategic places, you observe tankers parked alongside the roads at very crucial times which impedes free-flow of traffic and makes our jobs difficult.

“With the parks, they can go in and park properly and also be afforded the opportunity for a quick rest, especially for those who travel long distances.

“They will have enough space to carry out repairs where needed in their vehicles and most importantly too, it will also help to reduce avoidable crashes on our roads,’’ he said.

He cited busy spots in the state where tanker drivers had become notorious for illegal parking as Kara, Atiba, Ogere, Ogbomosho and Ojoo roads.

“We always try our best to sensitise them on proper road usage.

“ We let them know that the road belongs to everyone and even enlighten them on vehicle maintenance procedures,’’ he said.

Ogagaoghene also commended government for introducing road safety education in schools, saying “it will help to raise awareness on road safety in the minds of the younger generation”.

President Goodluck Jonathan had on February 18 said government would build parks for articulated vehicles to check indiscriminate parking.

Jonathan, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Pius Anyim, made the declaration at an International Conference on Road Safety Management in Africa organised by the FRSC to mark its silver jubilee.