Emmanuel Thomas, Lagos
October 14, 2015 – Lagos State Government on Wednesday explained that recent traffic gridlocks experienced in the state have nothing to do with the pronouncement of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode prohibiting officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) from harassing and intimidating motorists.
At a joint press conference addressed by permanent secretaries in the Ministry of Information, Transportation and Works, the state government said that enforcement of Lagos Traffic Laws is ongoing, adding that offenders are contravened and that over 500 tickets have so far been issued since the governor made a departure from the old order.
Speaking in behalf of the state government, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Mr. Fola Adeyemi said that contrary to beliefs, those contravened are paying fines.
He attributed the gridlocks to ongoing construction of roads in Lagos State based on decision of government to empower the 57 local council to construct at least 2 roads in each of the local government adding that ongoing construction at Boni Camp and Akin Adesola will soon be completed so as to free traffic in the axis.
He said that officials of LASTMA are not disgruntled with the pronouncement of the governor but that they are on the road doing their work 24 hours daily, 7 days per week.
He explained that where LASTMA officials are not available, traffic lights are on hand to assist in controlling traffic to pave way for rapid movement on the road.
Also speaking, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Sewedo Oluseyi Whenu explained the new rules is that motorists contravened are arrested, ticketed and allowed to go but to pay stipulated fines within a grace period.
He therefore called on all motorists especially commercial bus drivers to obey all traffic rules and regulations adding that all traffic offenders would be penalised accordingly.
He said the State government would no longer tolerate impunity and lawlessness being experienced now on the road.
