The Enugu State Government has deployed no fewer than 814 traffic personnel for Operation Maintain Single Lane meant to ensure continuous flow of traffic in roads in the state this yuletide.

The Permanent Secretary of Enugu State Ministry of Transport, Mr Ogbonna Idike, revealed this while flagging off the operation on Wednesday in major roads and traffic built-up junctions in Enugu.

Idike said that 314 of the personnel were traffic officers within the ministry; while the 500 ad-hoc traffic personnel, who were already trained, were drawn from the council areas of the state.

He said that the personnel drawn from the council areas are members of the councils’ Neighbourhood Watch Group and Forest Guard Officers.

The permanent secretary said that traffic personnel for the operation had been deployed in all road routes and major junctions in the state with branded traffic reflective jackets.

He noted that they would work two shifts daily; from 6a.m. to 1p.m. as well as from 1p.m. to 8p.m.

“We are ever ready and have already increased our patrols and manpower to ensure that the good people of the state and visitors coming to join us to celebrate Christmas and New Year festivities have a pleasant road experience.

“Even as our men are on ground controlling the traffic morning and night; we appeal that the motoring public should display discipline on the roads and maintain a single lane.

“If they do this, it will only take a few seconds, everyone will get through on the road and get to their various destinations,” he assured.

Idike thanked Gov. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his tremendous support to the ministry, ensuring that the yuletide operation remains seamless and a huge success.

He said that the ministry would also be collaborating with other traffic and law enforcement agencies in the state to ensure a huge success of the operation.

Speaking, Mr Anthony Ogbodo, Deputy Core Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Enugu State, lauded the state government and the ministry for launching a formidable operation to ensure seamless flow of traffic this season.

“It is wonderful. It is the first time the state government, through the ministry, will be deploying such a large number of officials to ensure non-stop flow of traffic.

“FRSC and the ministry will continue to work closely. We will have joint patrols and working positions to ensure that Nigerians and indeed the people of Enugu State enjoy a quality road experience this yuletide,” Ogbodo said.

The operation, being carried out simultaneously in all road routes in the 17 council areas, would last till Jan. 5. (NAN)

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