The Lagos State government has revived the enforcement of the ban on motorcycles and tricycle operations following weakening compliance and pockets of clash between the operators and the Lagos State Taskforce on Wednesday.
In 2019, the state restricted the operators from plying 10 major highways, 40 bridges and roads within six local government areas and nine local council development areas (LCDA) in the state.
The government also expressed displeasure at the continued violation of the Transport Sector Reform Law (TSRL) 2018 which restricts the operations of commercial motorcycle riders (okada) and driving against traffic, known as one-way driving.
Speaking during a press conference at the state capital, Alausa, Ikeja, on traffic rules violation, Frederic Oladeinde, commissioner for transportation, said traffic offence with impunity will no longer be tolerated.
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He urged all commercial transport operators to carry out their daily activities within the approved routes in the state, adding that erring road users will face the penalty and will equally be charged to court in accordance with the Transport Sector Reform Law of Lagos 2018.
“In spite of efforts by the governor to reform our transport sector, it is disheartening to note that a lot of our people still go against the extant law of the state on transport operation and safe driving on our roads and in our communities. The state government prioritises the safety and security of the people. As a government, we cannot continue to watch this lawlessness develop into an uncontrollable situation,” he said.
The commissioner noted that the state has witnessed high-security threats and safety challenges as a result of the activities of dodgy road users in the last few months.
This, he said, has again stirred the need for restoration of sanity on the roads, with sanctions ranging from N20,000 to three months imprisonment prepared for erring users.
“In line with this administration’s plan to build Lagos that works for all, we are determined to continue to engage with the various transport unions and associations of tricycle and motorcycle operators to ensure their members cooperate with us in the process of ensuring public safety by abiding with the TSRL 2018 at all time,” he explained.
Oluwatoyin Fayinka, special adviser to the governor on transportation, implored all road users to be law-abiding.
He urged transport unions to wake up and caution their members who flout traffic rules, saying the government will intensify enforcement and clampdown.
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