Hard times await reckless motorists in Lagos as the Police and the State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) agreed to strengthen partnership on traffic management in Lagos State and deal with erring drivers.
The General Manager LASTMA, Mr Bolaji Oreagba, disclosed this over the weekend during a courtesy visit by the Lagos State Commissioner for Police, CP Idowu Owohunwa, to LASTMA Headquarters, Oshodi, Lagos.
Recall that the menace of motorists, especially the commercial drivers, stubborn private car owners, trunks drivers and some interstate drivers have been a major problem facing the state government over constant violation of traffic rules, thereby causing heavy traffic jams at different parts of Lagos.
Many motorists spent several hours on roads, in a journey that supposed to take few minutes through illegal parking and stopping on roads.
With the new agreement, erring drivers will not be spare and their vehicles maybe confiscated if necessary.
However, Mr. Oreagba disclosed further that road users particularly motoring public would be most beneficial of this partnership in the area of efficient and effective management of traffic and checking excesses of recaltriant drivers particularly among commercial bus drivers on our roads.
While confirming that the operational guidelines of LASTMA comprises 7 Comptrollers who cover 3 Senatorial Districts of the State, 21 Commanders and 45 Zebras including Brt (1&2) with the free trade zone, the General manager highlighted areas where partnership with Lagos State Police Command most required to include Iyana Oworonsoki, Iyana-Ipaja, Ojuelegba bridge, Ikorodu Round-About, Ikorodu Road, Lekki-Ajah, Obalende, Marine/Eko bridge, Costain, Igando, Apapa-Oshodi expressway, Egbeda, Ketu amongst others.
In his welcome address, Assistant Comptroller of LASTMA, Mr. Jubril Oshodi, hinted that the establishment of Lagos State School Safety Advocacy Programme (LASTSAP) by government was aimed at developing a better understanding of roads traffic safety and reducing the impact of trauma on our road.
Earlier in his address, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, commended the State Government for the establishment of LASTMA, saying; “Yes, the presence of LASTMA Officers at different check points managing and controlling traffic on roads has made security job easier for Police men at various divisions in Lagos.
While encouraging LASTMA officials not to be discouraged inspite of provocations, CP however gave an assurance of a structure that would be a bridge for both agencies of government.
Those present at the meeting include DCP Hassan Shaffa (DC OPs), ACP Oludotun Odubana (AC OPs), CSP Aka Shittu (AO- OPs), CSP Kehinde Oni (OC Special Squad), SP Justine Ajeke (2ic SIB), SP Benjamin Hundeyin (PPRO LAGOS), Hon. Toyin Aremu (SSA on Transportation to Governor), LASTMA Comptrollers, Commanders and Zebras.
