Illegal parking, roadside trading worsen traffic congestion across Osogbo

Motorists and commuters in Osogbo, the bustling capital of Osun State, have expressed concern over worsening traffic congestion due to illegal parking, roadside trading, and unregulated passenger loading on major roads. These activities, especially during the evening rush hour, continue to cause traffic blockages, with drivers complaining that recently reconstructed roads are losing their capacity to handle the increased traffic.

The Daily Post noted instances of commercial buses stopping on highways to pick up passengers, while illegally parked vehicles and double parking force other motorists to make abrupt lane changes. This situation has turned routine journeys into lengthy trips, with some commuters spending over an hour navigating busy routes during peak periods.

Despite infrastructure improvements, Anthony Alo, a regular commuter, finds the current situation increasingly frustrating. He proposed the construction of designated bus stops at key locations to prevent commercial vehicles from obstructing traffic and to separate pedestrian zones from vehicular activities. Local traders also expressed frustration, alleging that motorists park their vehicles in front of their shops for extended periods, obstructing both their business and customer access.

Vehicle owners have also reported receiving unexpected visitors who park their cars on the frontage of businesses without any notice. The situation has raised safety concerns, as illegal parking, roadside trading, and sudden vehicle movements heighten the risk of accidents and contribute to fuel wastage, lost work hours, and additional expenses for businesses.

Osun State Commissioner for Transportation, Sesan Oyedele, acknowledged the need for designated parking areas to alleviate the problem and warned against displaying vehicles for sale on public roads. However, funding constraints due to non-release of local government allocations have hindered the implementation of plans to construct designated bus stops in Osogbo for 2025 and 2026 budgets.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Osun Sector Command, has also identified roadside trading, illegal parking, and unregulated passenger loading as significant contributors to traffic congestion and double parking. The Corps plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, to address the issue effectively.