Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been directed to adopt the system of booking traffic offenders, rather than apprehending their vehicles in order to ensure free flow of traffic across the metropolis.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu handed over the directive to the officials while briefing top management of LASTMA on government’s new policy in the transportation sector.
According to him, while government appreciates the invaluable contribution of the traffic managers to the current traffic situation in the state, more emphasis should be placed on seamless flow of traffic.
“That is the minimum we owe the people of the state,” he said. He urged LASTMA to synergize with other security agencies to ensure that the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012 is enforced.
He therefore directed LASTMA officials to consider alternatives traffic management methods rather than physical apprehension and arrest.
“Since LASTMA officials are a reflection of the state government, they should ensure that their activities add value to the government’s covenant with Lagos residents to make life easier for them,” a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Sina Thorpe, said.
He assured Lagos residents that a more perfect traffic management and documentation procedure is being put in place where traffic offenders are booked and given a grace period for payment and defaulters apprehended at home through the information on the motor vehicle database.
He urged Lagos residents to play their part by obeying all traffic laws and regulations.
