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Tag: Lagos Traffic

  • Lagos Traffic Radio: Enhancing gridlock reportage

    Lagos Traffic Radio: Enhancing gridlock reportage

    Lagos Traffic Radio has unveiled live feeds from cameras installed across the state by the government to bring more accurate and believable traffic updates to her listeners, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE

    With the launch of the Live Camera Update (LCU) penultimate Thursday, Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1 FM, Africa’s first traffic-focused radio station, has taken another giant step in leveraging the state’s robust investments in technology infrastructure to deliver more travel advisory to its increasing listeners within and beyond the state.

     Determined to sustain the smart city dream of his predecessors, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has embarked on the laying of 6, 000 kilometres of fibre optics around the state in its attempt to improve internet penetration and accessibility to residents.

     Not only has it delivered 3,000 kilometres of optics, which effectively linked all government institutions and agencies, it has delivered about 300 Closed Circuit Cameras (CCTV) around the city’s strategic roads to complement its efforts at effectively “capturing real time,” developments as they happen across the state.

     In partnership with the State’s Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology, headed by Tubosun Alake, the Lagos Traffic Radio has further deepened the bouquet of service of the government with the innovative deployment of CCTV coverage of the state to bring live feeds of traffic situations across the covered areas to its listeners.

    In other words, right from its studios, the radio station could see the state’s roads’ traffic and use it to relay travel advisory to millions of its listeners to make informed decisions about their travels or journeys even before they leave their homes.

    Read Also: How I used to hawk fruits in Lagos traffic – Singer Crayon

    How it has been

       Before the coming of Lagos Traffic Radio in 2012, residents were often at the mercy of other stations which offered traffic reports just as tokens of social service only during rush hours–mornings and evenings.

     Before this giant leap, which the station’s General Manager, Tayo Akanle admitted has taken over two years of careful planning and training, the radio station had relied on live feeds from the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) personnel posted to various road beats to relay live feeds straight to the studio, traffic situations in their various areas.

     For more robust coverage, the station also enjoys a strategic partnership with the Ogun State’s Traffic Regulations and Compliance and Enlightenment Agency (TRACE), and the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) both of which helped to cover roads, especially in the border communities lacking LASTMA’s critical presence.

     Akanle averred that the station, from inception has been partnering with the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, whose officers are often referred to as “Traffic Managers” collate traffic information, while the station uses the power of radio to communicate to the public, who in turn, uses such information to plan their journey.

     This effort is also complimented by officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, TRACE Monitors in neighbouring Ogun State and motorists who also supply traffic information using the “Eyewitness Report Strategy.”

     Challenged by the need to sustain the THEMES + agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration, and make more robust travel information available to its listeners, the station partnered with the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology to deploy the state’s huge technology to install the CCTV in travel/traffic coverage.

     Akanle believed that the live camera project would boost traffic reportage and updates including travel advisories by providing real-time traffic information for the motoring public and commuters within and outside the state.

    Corroborating his boss, the Deputy Director of Programmes and Presenter of Your Side Mirror, Victor Oteri recalled several instances where callers had given wrong information which had been relayed only for LASTMA officials on the ground to counter much later.

     Oteri believes the deployment of technology would remove such doubts and make its audience believe it more as real-time feeds from the cameras would give life situations on the roads.

     Akanle said the governor’s approval of the project has further gone to show his commitment to ensuring that citizens have accurate information that could help make informed traffic management decisions.

     He said from its studios, Traffic Radio will receive these feeds directly and translate them into real-time traffic information for commuters and motorists.

     The process of connection, he further stated, entails an initial site survey, laying of fibre cables to connect the station’s studios, termination and configuration of connection to the data centre, software installation and testing, and staff training among others.

     He said: “As part of its operational reforms towards finding a solution to traffic congestion in the state, the station birthed Motorbike Live Report in which trained Motorbike Live Reporters, give prompt and adequate information live from incident scenes across the metropolis.

     The General Manager noted that the station also explored new vistas of opportunities in a bid to expand the horizon for her teeming audience and reflect the Traffic Management and Transportation “T” pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S PLUS agenda by introducing the provision of live reports from the waterways to encourage Lagos residents to embrace water transportation to further decongest the roads.

     Akanle hinted that “the station also provides information on flight schedules for local travellers to plan their journey, as well as shipping position on the number of ships berthing at the Ports,” adding that “due to the current realities, the station has also moved from the initial provision of 15 minutes interval for traffic updates to 10 minutes.”

     This, according to him, was achieved by re-energising the official social media platforms through the application of tried–and–tested social media strategies and home-grown initiatives, pointing out that this has greatly provided the much-needed leap in the radio’s audience on these social media platforms such as Facebook, which grew from 4,000 likes in 2019 to 76,000 likes in 2023, X (formerly Twitter) which had 15,000 followers in 2019, also grew to 56,000 followers, while live streaming has also been embraced in all the station’s programmes; thus giving its online audience a new experience as they can now view all programmes and presenters through live video from the studio.

     While inaugurating the service, Sanwo-Olu praised the Traffic Radio and its management for its commitment to driving the transportation and traffic management component of the THEMES plus agenda and for deepening the Smart City initiative by deploying cameras to road traffic coverage.

     Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi said the project would further boost the administration’s determination to continue to deploy technology to drive effectiveness and efficiency in every facet of government’s operations and service delivery.

     Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso said the inauguration of the ‘Live Camera Update’ will assist commuters to plan their journey and reduce their travel time drastically.

     Omotoso, under whose ministry the station is, noted that the ‘Live Camera Update’ will cover over 300 roads and highways in the state in the first instance; and this is expected to grow to about 3,000 roads shortly as more cameras are installed around the state.

     He commended the management and members of staff of the station for always thinking out of the box in their determination to bring more comfort to the people of the state who are usually stressed out in traffic.

     The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Tunbosun Alake saluted the doggedness of the station’s General Manager for the actualisation of the project.

     Alake, who was represented by Adeyinka Sorungbe, a Director in the ministry, pledged more support for the station. He noted that more cameras will be installed in line with the THEMES Plus agenda of the state government.

  • ‘60 junctions responsible for Lagos gridlock’

    Lagos State Government has identified 60 highway junctions and corridors affecting traffic movement and flow in the Lagos metropolis.

    The state is set for a showdown with street traders and traffic law offenders who contribute to perennial traffic congestion in the state because of their activities.

    Transportation Commissioner Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, who addressed reporters at the weekend after a tour of Oyingbo axis of the state reputed for gridlock, said the administration would be forced to wield the big stick if street traders and other traffic law offenders refused to do the right thing.

    He said the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is committed to tackling congestions and promoting multi-modal transportation system.

    The commissioner said: “We have come here to look at the enormity of the congestion problem, especially the gridlock and where we have traders obstructing the road. I think I am beginning to understand why they have refused to go into their markets.

    Read Also: Seven perfect ways to beat, survive Lagos traffic

    “The facilities are inadequate. We will work with the local government chairmen in these areas to help the traders move back into the market. We are going to find a way in which we will clear the yellow commercial buses (danfo) off the roads by finding them a parking space to make the roads free.

    “The roads are meant for movement, not for parking, not for selling. We have a task force on standby and by next week, after discussing with the council chairmen and looking for solution for these people to move, we will come here, clear the roads and make sure they are free and there is less congestion.

    “Most importantly, Oyingbo is a key area for multi-modal transportation. We have the rail line at the back, we have the water jetties on this corridor. We can bring all these together and make Oyingbo a hub. It is important that we restore Oyingbo to what it should be, not a market place or a place known for chaos.”

    Oladeinde, who lamented the chaotic traffic jam on the axis, said: “I know that with this administration and the political will, we will clear these obstructions and will get a free flow around here. We are going to Yaba, we have the same problem at Yaba. We will go to Ajah and every area where we have market activities obstructing the roads. We will discuss with the local governments and ensure we give the traders a decent place where they can sell their goods. We will get them off the roads. The pedestrian way is for walking, for connecting with public transport, not for selling. We will make sure we enforce this.”

    On the Oyingbo new bus terminal, he said the government has spoken with the contractor handling the project to go back to site, adding that the project, designed for multi modal transportation integration, is 90 per cent complete.

  • Seven ways to beat, survive Lagos traffic

    Lagos is notorious for its traffic gridlock. There are so many cars on the roads from private cars, commercial buses (Danfo), taxis, the Keke NAPEP (tricycles) and motorcycles (Okada).

    The traffic would have been more bearable but for the addition of impatient drivers and riders, impatient pedestrians. A combination of all these factors really makes the heavy Lagos traffic unbearable.

    Sadly, a brief journey which shouldn’t last for long might end up taking you longer time to travel to and fro a destination within the city.

    But one thing about traffic in Lagos is that it occurs especially at specific times of the day and it can be unpredictable.

    So therefore, by observing the day-to-day flow of traffic, you can get to understand the best times to leave your location and get to your destination faster.

    Here are few tips on how to survive the traffic in Lagos:

    * Make sure to leave home early: This is how the traffic has defined the life of many Lagosians. The routine is leave early and arrive late to avoid and survive the gridlock.

    * Always listen to traffic radio/programmes: The Lagos State Government on May 29, 2012 launched the Lagos Traffic Radio 96.1FM to give Lagosians situation report on traffic. It offers information on alternative routes and locations where the gridlock is worse. They work in conjunction with the Lagos State Road Maintenance Agency (LASMA) and it is a reliable platform to get traffic information.

    * Always wind up your car windows: This is a safety tip to ward-off ‘snatch and run’ thieves. Traffic jams are the perfect cover for a lot of pickpockets who pretend to be beggars, or street hawkers.

    * You don’t always need to drive: For those who have the luxury of BRT buses around where they reside, it is advisable that you take public transport as an option. You actually don’t have to drive every day of the week.

    * Have an insight on when and where traffic builds up: It is very important to have a little knowledge of the times of day and week when traffic is at its peak this would go a long way.

    * Monitor the traffic situation on social media: There are some Twitter handles that provide authentic traffic updates daily, follow them and monitor their tweets religiously. With these updates, you can map your routes.

    * Shake your head to the melodious tune of your music player: When you’re stuck in traffic, staring in space while waiting for the line of vehicles in front of you move forward, you can occupy your mind with music while you wait. Great music will soothe you and reduce the mental stress you go through in traffic.

    In case you are stuck in the traffic, just relax. You’ll get home sooner or later. Anxiety or impatience won’t clear the roads or accelerate the vehicle.

  • Fashola, Mamora for Traffic Radio lecture

    Former Minister of Power, Works and Housing Mr. Babatunde Fashola is billed to deliver the keynote address at the 4th edition of the Lagos Traffic Radio Lecture Series tomorrow.

    Others expected to speak at the event are National Inland Waterways Authority Managing Director Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.

    Chairman, Institute of Strategic Management, Lagos State chapter, Dr Sikiru Smith and Public Affairs Officer, United States Consulate-General, Lagos Mr Russel Brooks, are also expected at the event.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu is the chief host.

    Read Also: Seven ways to beat, survive Lagos traffic

    The lecture, with the theme: “Lagos Beyond Roads: The Inter-Modal Transport option”, will hold at the Eko FM Multi-purpose Hall, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

    A statement yesterday by Lagos Traffic Radio General Manager Mr. Tayo Akanle said the lecture would set agenda for a future traffic management system, tilted towards having a more robust inter-modal structure.

    The statement said: “This 4th edition is in tandem with the traffic management and transportation initiatives of Governor Sanwo-Olu, as one of the pivotal policy thrusts to decongest roads.

    “The administration under its six-point agenda (T.H.E.M.E.S) seeks under the transportation and traffic management to integrate road, rail and water transportation to ease commuting by Lagosians.”

  • FRSC boss proffers solution to Lagos gridlock

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps Marshal, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, has advised the Lagos State Government to redouble efforts on its inter-modal system of transportation, as a solution to the gridlock in the state.

    Oyeyemi spoke on Wednesday while delivering the first distinguished lecture of the School of Transport, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.

    The theme of the lecture was ‘Transportation And Road Safety Management: Achieving The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Nigeria’.

    He said Lagos State was a good example of how the intermodal system of transportation could operate, as practised globally.

    According to him, the inter-modal system includes railway, inner waterways, pipeline, air transport system, among others.

    Oyeyemi said if the intra-modal system was effective, most Nigerians would not depend on road transportation but on the alternative system.

    He said the problem of the poor transportation system was as a result of infrastructure that could not match with the increasing population.

    “Continued growth in population, employment and trade have led to the placement of increasing demand on the road transportation system, challenging the efficiency of the road network.

    “Rising trend in morbidity and mortality rate due to Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) in low and middle-income countries has led the WHO to declare road traffic crashes an epidemic,” he said.

    According to him, the situation in Nigeria has been exacerbated by the near absence of alternative modes of transportation.

    Oyeyemi said an estimated 90 per cent of passengers and freight in Nigeria relied on the road network, with the attendant challenge of an increased number of RTCs.

    He explained that transportation is a major catalyst in the changing process of economic growth and development of any economy, as it plays a recognizable role in the various sectors of the economy.

    Read Also: Reimagining the chaotic splendour of Lagos traffic

    The Corps Marshal said development in the area of transportation constituted an important aspect of socio-economic development.

    According to him, road infrastructure, in particular, represents, if not the engine, the wheels of economic activities in most developing countries, Nigeria inclusive.

    Oyeyemi said in achieving the SDGs through Road Transport Safety Management, the FRSC was working with relevant partners on easing movement of farm produce across the nation’s road network.

    He said the Corps would also conduct a periodic Road Safety Audit and forward the outcome to the relevant authorities for amelioration.

    “While it is true that road transport administration, including regulation, is still not satisfactory, the Corps is not resting on its oars, but constantly searching for solutions to all contemporary issues in road transport in Nigeria, particularly on safer road use,” Oyeyemi said.

    Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr Femi Hamzat urged Nigerians to change their attitude to government infrastructure and work toward maintaining them for their benefit.

    Represented by Ministry of Transport Permanent Secretary Dr Taiwo Salam, Hamzat said the current situation of poor traffic regulation in Lagos State was so because the past administration tried its best in terms of infrastructure, but did not do much of enforcement.

    LASU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Olanrewaju Fagbohun lauded the calibre of personalities at the event and described the lecture as insightful.

    Fagbohun promised that the university would do a follow-up on the recommendations and outcome of the lecture, and carry all stakeholders along.

  • ‘LASTMA empowered to arrest offenders, impound vehicles’

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has said it has powers under the relevant provisions of the Lagos State Traffic Laws of 2012 (as amended) to impound any vehicle and apprehend recalcitrant motorists who contravene any section of the law.

    This is contrary to belief in some quarters that it has no power to arrest.

    Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LASTMA, Mr Chris Olakpe made the clarification on Thursday while receiving the Executive and Members of Humanitarian Voluntary Association for Community Development during a solidarity and sympathy over the death of 18 traffic officials of the agency on the line of duty in 2018.

    Olakpe said contrary to misinformation in some sections of the media, the agency was fully empowered by law to make arrest where and when necessary.

    Olakpe, who is a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), said the traffic laws of the state equipped officials of the Agency with powers to arrest where appropriate and allow the alleged offender to pay the fine stipulated for the offence under the law.

    The LASTMA boss said the law allows for penalties for neglect of traffic directions, while disobeying traffic control personnel also attracts fines and impounding of vehicles.

    According to him: “One thing the people must know is that the purpose of laws in any state is to regulate human conduct and punish violators, to ensure safety and sanity on the roads and at the same time regulate the function and authority of traffic personnel.”

    He said from the findings of the agency, many of the gridlocks are due to the unusual driving behaviours, saying it was important for the public to always cooperate with traffic officers while on the road.

    He added that instead of taking laws into their hands, motorists should feel free to take advantage of the open-door policy of LASTMA by reporting any erring officer.

    “Just from January 2019 till date, over 30 traffic officials have been brutalized by ill-tempered motorists and as an Agency, we owe it to our officials and their families the responsibility of ensuring their security and safety while performing their duties,” Olakpe said.

    He assured the agency was reaching out to sister agencies and spirited members of the public in order to deepen collaboration and cooperation with a view to protecting State traffic officials in their domain.

    He warned that any motorist that proved to be an agent provocateur irrespective of position on the road will have his vehicle impounded and taken to LASTMA Yard to face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the relevant section of the law.

  • Reimagining the chaotic splendour of Lagos traffic

    As one of the fastest growing megacities in the world today, the projected population of Lagos in 2017 is over 24 million and still increasing – meaning that facilities are often stretched to their limit. Thousands of Lagosians from different local government areas as well as neighbouring states, troop en-masse, on a daily basis, to key hubs, such as Ikeja and Lagos Island, for business, work and pleasure.

    Consequently, the increase in population, along with the constant motion of people, has resulted in a seemingly inevitable increase in the number of cars on Lagos roads. The trend since 2003 shows a consistent rise that only dips slightly during the recession years. Most of these are privately owned in comparison to government or even commercial vehicles.

    Sadly, when there are so many cars are on the roads at the same time heading in different directions from different locations on the same decrepit roads, the result is often chaos, confusion and lost man hours in traffic – especially in a metropolis with little propensity for order.

    Hopefully, this might be the case in the foreseeable future if the Lagos State Government (regardless of who is in charge) completes work started on a number of projects aimed at easing the irritations of daily transportation for commuters in the state.

    One of these is the construction of 13 new bus terminals in designated areas of the metropolis including Agege, Alapere, Anthony, Ikeja, Ilupeju, Maryland, Ojota, Oshodi, Oyingbo, Tafawa Balewa and Yaba which are among the most densely populated areas in the state and likely to have the highest road transport usages daily.

    With 800 new buses to be acquired, the entire project, according to the commissioner of transport, Ladi Lawanson, will “provide over 3000 jobs for youths and also increase transport connections and inter-modal connectivity in the state.” The idea behind the scheme is also to “cater for Lagos residents of especially lower and middle classes who cannot afford to fund their own cars every day.”

    But transport in Lagos is not just about roads. Thankfully, the state is also looking towards enabling railway and water transportation. The proposed light rail network is made up of seven lines: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Purple, Brown and Orange. So far, work has begun on the Red and Blue lines only. The former will be 30km long while the latter, 27km. Each will have 13 stations each. Three stations in the south end of the Red line will be shared with the Blue line and both will comprise 23 stations in total.

    Since 25 per cent of the state’s land mass consists of water (779.56 Sq km), the state has also announced plans to connect water terminals and the roads, especially in places such as Badore, Ajah, Mile 2, Badagry, Ikorodu and other places where there are terminals. Presently, government has identified about 30 commercial routes on the state’s waterways for dredging and channelization, while 10 jetties spread across the state were being constructed, among other ongoing plans for the sector.

    With elections looming – along with the certainty that the incumbent will not be returning – it is the hope of commuters in the state that the new government will bring these projects to completion. But beyond the realisation of these grandiose plans, there is a more lasting desire that Lagos citizens become more involved in the planning and assessment of these projects.

    Sadly, the current default is a lack of openness of all procurement processes in Lagos, especially those that pertain to transportation. Lagosians are covered with a layer of thick veil on issues related to the cost of projects, bidder information, contract signing dates and timelines and so much more.

    The new government will need to introduce policies that offer a better and sustainable way to earn the trust of its taxpayers who, aside from immediate solutions to transport problems, want to see how their money is being used. Everywhere in the world, when citizens are carried along, they better appreciate the work of their government, and seek to preserve or use public facilities with care. On the other hand, non-adoption of open principles necessarily leads to speculations and the kind of distrust that undermine the goodwill of leaders.

    Openness simply means that that we will all be heading in the same direction from the same location along a revamped transport infrastructure. It might still seem chaotic but it will be the Lagos we want to imagine.

    • This article was written as part of the Open Contracting Programme for Journalists workshop organised by the Open Data Research Centre of the School of Media and Communication, Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos

  • New Year: Heavy traffic resumes in Lagos

    Some commuters and motorists in Lagos, on Tuesday expressed their frustrations with the resurgence of heavy traffic in some areas, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

    The traffic had reduced during the yuletide with the break in most commercial activities and closure of offices; as well as reduction in population when many residents traveled, making movements easier for people.

    With the holidays over and the resumption of normal commercial and social activities in the ever busy Nigeria’s business hub, commuters and motorists have started experiencing the usual gridlock.

    A NAN correspondent who monitored the traffic situation along the Iyana-Ipaja – Oshodi route and Ikeja, reports that traffic was heavy around the area.

    A commercial bus operator, Mr Ebenezer Adeyemi, who plies the Yaba – Iyana-Ipaja road, said that the traffic was getting worse by the day.

    “This traffic is bad because of road construction, I am tired. Going is not easy and returning is also very difficult. How long are we going to continue like this?

    “I am telling you the truth; the government cannot say it does not know about the chaotic traffic situation in the state, especially on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway.

    “It does not matter how early you set out from Iyana-Ipaja to Oshodi, you will be frustrated; government should find a solution.

    “I am already tired of driving. I left Iyana-Ipaja by 11 a.m., this is 2 p.m. now and I am still at Ikeja.

    “This is not normal, most of this construction work can be carried out in the night,’’ Adeyemi said.

    The driver urged the contractor to take one lane at a time instead of working on the both sides simultaneously.

    A private car owner, Mr Seyi Adigun, who was on his way to Yaba from Ifo, Ogun State, said that he could not believe he would still be at Ikeja by 2 p.m. ins pite of the fact that he left home as early 9 a.m..

    Adigun said: “This is bad, this does not show that there is government in place, this is affecting everybody.”

    Another commercial bus operator, Mr Ismaila Raheem, said that motorists had incurred losses, both materially and physically because of the traffic situation.

    A commuter, Mrs Anita Iboima, urged Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode to call the construction company to order to ensure free flow of traffic.

    “I had an 8: a.m. appointment at Mary Land, this is 2: 45 p.m., I am just about to get to my destination, this kind of situation did not start today, we have been facing this kind of traffic for some time now.

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    “How I wish the governor will consider the plight of the people and solve this problem,” Iboima said.

    A LASTMA official, who preferred anonymity, said that he walked from Agege to Ikeja to resume work.

    He told NAN that a political campaign around the area; as well as the early morning protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress compounded the issue.

    NAN reports that many commuters were seen alighting from their vehicles to stretch their legs having spent hours in the traffic.

    Some others resorted to the use of commercial motorcycles who take one-way to their destinations, while others just simply returned home.

    Many commuters were also seen trekking.

  • Speaker: Lagos traffic has become worrisome

    Lagos State House of Assembly has urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to direct Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) Officials  to intensify traffic control.

    Speaker Mudashiru Obasa said the traffic problem had become worrisome.

    Obasa, who raised the matter in plenary yesterday, said it was the government’s duty to ensure free flow of traffic.

    “This is one of the duties of LASTMA. We should call on Governor Ambode to order LASTMA to ensure free flow of traffic.

    “LASTMA officials should stop folding their arms, while motorists and okada riders do whatever they like on the roads. Any official that fails to perform his or her duty should be sanctioned. We need to take steps on this,” he said.

    The Speaker ordered the Clerk, Mr. Azeez Sanni, to write the family of the LASTMA official, Adeyemo Rotimi, who was killed by an officer of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) in Iyana Ipaja last month.

    He said the House Committee on Transport should visit the bereaved family.

    “Something must be done about the gridlock all the same.  LASTMA officials are paid salaries. We know that this is Yuletide period, but we must ensure that there is free flow of traffic.

    “We will write the governor to call on LASTMA and VIS to ensure free flow of traffic. Motorists should obey traffic laws.

    “We sympathise with LASTMA for losing one of their officials. We want the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to initiate a process of compensation for the family of the deceased,” Obasa said.

     

  • Lagos traffic and LASTMA

    Many motorists believed that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), despite perceived hitches, have changed the narratives on Lagos roads, writes ADEYINKA ADERIBIGBE

    With over three million cars and 100,000 commercial vehicles on the roads, (when the national average is 11 vehicles per kilometre), Lagos records an average of 227 vehicles per kilometre daily.

    The above figure is compounded by the United Nations’ data that 86 people enter Lagos every hour.

    According to the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), out of 10.6 million vehicles registered in the country in 2016, over three million are in Lagos, plying 9,100 roads. This huge vehicular presence is further complicated by the unregulated activities of over 200,000 minibuses, thousands of commercial motorcycles and tricycles, coupled with an influx of over 10, 000 people daily to Lagos for various reasons.

    Since inception in July 2000, LASTMA has worked tirelessly to promote sanity and safety on Lagos roads. The idea was to manage the traffic situation, which has turned movement  round the city into a nightmare.

    However, while some residents are divided over the methods being deployed by LASTMA,  others believed the methods have yielded results in certain areas.

    Many motorists also have tales of LASTMA’s high handedness in managing traffic in the Lagos metropolis to tell. LASTMA’s enforcement, which is seen by a section of the people as revenue driven to a large extent, has been counter-productive.

    To address these perceived shortcomings, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode embarked on a comprehensive overhauling of traffic management architecture in the state with a view to repositioning LASTMA to embrace 21st Century traffic control mechanism. With the new development, LASTMA has jettisoned the outdated approach to traffic management.

    Consequently, against hitherto draconian enforcements that have pitched the agency against motorists and other road users, LASTMA came up with new traffic control and enforcement protocols, which are premised on civility to road users, especially motorists.

    The result is that LASTMA officials in the last three years have de-emphasised vehicle apprehension (except where extremely necessary), unwarranted rash decisions such as towing of vehicles, removals of number plates and the indiscriminate imposition of fines on impounded vehicles.

    To further strengthen the resolve to evolve new civil template for the agency, the government also introduced Automated Booking Machine, which ensures that all fines are paid directly to banks and duly receipted, as part of the new enforcement initiatives for traffic management.

    The result was a dramatic improvement in gridlock patterns. According to a global report, most African states recorded 15 per cent increase in traffic congestion between 2015 and 2016, while North America has five per cent, Europe nine per cent, Asia and Oceanic 12 per cent and South America seven per cent, a report cited by www.theguardian.ng, stated.

    Juxtaposed with traffic situation around the world, there was 15 per cent increase in Africa and 10 per cent in the rest of the world. The implication of the report is that many African cities are yet to develop driving culture and standard traffic laws with efficient and functional traffic management institutions in line with best global practices.

    For Lagos State, the new position is a reflection of the huge resources that the state government, over the years, has invested into traffic management. Current positive traffic signals from across the state is not a feat achieved through miracles, but product of research, rigorous planning, human capacity and institutional building, coupled with massive investment in roads infrastructure.

    Since inception, LASTMA has been working at achieving its mandate of managing traffic in the state. Though Lagos has the smallest landmass in the country, the state, no doubt, has the most challenging traffic situation in the country.

    With over three million cars and 100,000 commercial vehicles on its roads as stated earlier, Lagos, daily records an average of 227 vehicles per every kilometre of roads. This scenario, which has continued a geometric growth year-on-year, has left the government little choice than to develop scientific transportation management alternatives, part of which informed the establishment of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), to manage traffic on its 9,100 road network.