The Lagos State Government has announced plans to enforce traffic rules against red light and speed-limit infractions across the state henceforth.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this on Thursday, February 6 at a media briefing and unveiling of the advanced technology initiative at Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the commissioner, the four strategic routes with speed limits include 80 kilometers per hour on Alapere-Ogudu Road and 60 kilometers per hour on Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Allen Avenue Road Junction, and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road.
He said the fines for violating the red light and overspeeding, would be N20,000 and N50,000 respectively.
Osiyemi said, “I am pleased to announce the deployment of four new ITS sites designed to monitor, manage, and enforce road traffic laws effectively. These sites are categorized into two key functions: Checkpoint sites for Speed Detection and E-Police Sites for Monitoring Traffic Violations.
One of the Checkpoint Sites designed to detect overspeeding is located at Alapere, Ogudu Road, with a speed limit of 80km/h, while the other is installed at Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, with a speed limit of 60km/h.The checkpoint sites are strategically located to detect and deter cases of over-speeding, which remains one of the leading causes of road accidents.
On the other hand, the E-Police Sites for Traffic Violations are installed at Allen Avenue Road Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road.
These e-Police sites were designed to detect a wide range of traffic violations, including Running red lights, Non-compliance with lane discipline, Illegal U-turns, and Reverse driving on highways.
Through high-definition cameras and real-time monitoring systems, the e-Police sites will serve as virtual traffic enforcement officers, ensuring drivers adhere to road regulations, even when physical officers are absent.
“It is important also to note that enforcement will commence immediately.“Motorists who violate traffic laws as detected by the ITS will receive SMS notifications from the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) department detailing the nature of the violation and the corresponding fines to be paid. “This system is not designed to be punitive but to encourage responsible driving behaviour and reduce the rate of accidents on our roads.
“The goal is simple: to save lives, protect property, and create an orderly transportation environment,” he stressed.
“Drive within the speed limits, obey traffic signals, maintain your lane discipline, and avoid dangerous maneuvers such as reverse driving on major roads,” Osiyemi stated.
Here are the talking points of the new Lagos state Traffic fines that Lagosians should know about:
Enforcement and Penalties
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, revealed that the enforcement of these regulations would be immediate and backed by substantial fines. Motorists found guilty of running red lights will face a penalty of N20,000, while those exceeding speed limits will be liable to pay a fine of N50,000. The fines are not merely punitive but are intended to serve as a strong deterrent against reckless driving and encourage adherence to traffic laws.
Technological Backbone
The cornerstone of this enforcement drive is the deployment of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) at strategic locations across the state. These advanced systems encompass a network of high-definition cameras and real-time monitoring tools that enable the authorities to detect and document traffic violations with precision. The ITS sites are categorized into two primary functions: Checkpoint sites, which are equipped with speed detection technology, and E-Police sites, which are designed to monitor a wide array of traffic infractions.
Strategic Deployment
The Checkpoint sites have been strategically installed at Alapere, Ogudu Road, and Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, with speed limits of 80km/h and 60km/h, respectively. These sites are intended to curb instances of overspeeding, a major contributor to road accidents. On the other hand, the E-Police sites, located at Allen Avenue Road Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road, are designed to detect violations such as running red lights, non-compliance with lane discipline, illegal U-turns, and reverse driving on highways.
Notification and Compliance
To ensure transparency and facilitate compliance, motorists who are detected violating traffic laws by the ITS will receive SMS notifications from the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) department. These notifications will provide details of the violation and the corresponding fine to be paid. This system is geared towards promoting responsible driving behavior and minimizing the occurrence of accidents on Lagos roads.
Appeal for Responsible Driving
The Commissioner for Transportation emphasized that the overarching goal of these measures is to create a safer and more orderly transportation environment in Lagos. He urged motorists to adhere to traffic regulations, drive within speed limits, obey traffic signals, maintain lane discipline, and avoid dangerous maneuvers. By fostering a culture of responsible driving, the government aims to safeguard lives, protect property, and ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the state.
Overall Impact
The enforcement of traffic rules, coupled with the deployment of advanced technology and the imposition of fines, represents a significant stride towards improving road safety and traffic management in Lagos. While the immediate impact may be seen in the reduction of traffic violations and accidents, the long-term benefits are likely to extend to the overall quality of life in the state, as commuters experience safer and more efficient journeys.
