LAGOS, Nigeria – A new operational format that targets assisting motorists with broken down vehicles has been advocated by the Acting Commissioner for Transportation as he charges Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) operatives to give the Agency a new lease of life.
While urging the Senior Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) operatives to be proactive in the discharge of their duties, the Commissioner who held a meeting with them in Alausa, Ikeja, stated that the vehicles which break down on the roads should no longer be towed to LASTMA stations and fined as it is the usual practice but rather with the understanding of the driver of the vehicle be towed to the mechanic workshop and payment of towing charges made by the vehicles owners.
He explained that this feat will not only assist, the driver of the vehicle out of difficult situation, traffic will not also be obstructed giving the prompt action by Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) operatives.
Elegushi reiterated that LASTMA officials should be viewed by the members of the public as friends and be treated as such adding that they would be better appreciated, when breakdown vehicles are quickly assisted by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) officers attached to the area through towing vehicles, to the owners mechanic workshop. He said what should not be encouraged is an attempt for the vehicles to be attended to on the road.
Speaking further the Acting Commissioner said before enforcement is carried out in any area of the State, LASTMA officials should strategies for a better service delivery.
He urge them to be acquitted and well informed by the traffic law of the State, also the need for proper supervision of BRT lanes as he often observed the use of the lanes by other road users, especially the commercial transport drivers with the attendant effect of regular face off between LASTMA officers and these lanes violators.
He further explained that the change of baton in the Agency was to allow for improved and better service delivery adding that their support will go a long way in assisting the new leaders to achieve the set goals and objectives.
