LASG warns against violation of traffic laws

The Lagos State Government through the Special Offences (Mobile) Court, has warned rebellious motorists fond of violating the traffic law of the state to desist or be ready to face the consequences of their actions under the law.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, represented by the Director for Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins made the declaration on Thursday, 12th of October, during the one-day sensitisation programme organised by the Lagos State Special Offences (Mobile) Court, themed: “Zero Tolerance For Violation Of Traffic Offences” at Bolade, Oshodi, Lagos.

He said that the programme is in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S Plus Agenda of the present administration in fulfilling the promises of transportation and traffic management.

The Attorney-General also stated that the State Government has reiterated its stance on zero tolerance for violation of traffic offences such as driving in a direction prohibited by law also known as (One-Way), plying the designated (BRT) Corridor and obstruction of vehicular movement on the highway amongst others.

Mr. Pedro (SAN) enjoined road users to partner with the State Government towards overcoming traffic challenges while urging them not to stand aloof but to play their roles to ensure a free flow of Traffic on the highway. She also noted that the offences are strict liability offences and are punishable under the Transport Sector Law of Lagos State, 2018.

The Coordinator, Special Offences (Mobile) Court, Mrs. Arinola Ogbara Banjoko noted that the agency decided to embark on the sensitisation tour to declare zero tolerance for violation of traffic offences and create awareness on the dangers of driving against traffic (One-Way) as well as other traffic offences, stating that this will go a long way in eradicating the offences.

While maintaining a penalty for driving against traffic (One-Way) is forfeiture under the State Transport Law 2018 and there is no fine for it, the Coordinator averred that safety on the road is crucial in a megacity like Lagos, stressing that offences like driving against traffic are crimes that should not be taken lightly.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, DCP Khan Salau, commended the Lagos State Government, Ministry of Justice and the Special Offences (Mobile) Court for this laudable initiative of sensitising residents on the consequences attached to the violation of traffic laws in the State.

He added that the acts of lawlessness, recklessness and impunity being exhibited by some commercial drivers and uniformed men, were worrisome as they grossly violate traffic laws of the state.

Appealing to the residents, especially motorists in the state, to desist from violating traffic laws, DCP Salau said that the Command would implement full enforcement of the State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018 and other extant laws of Lagos State on violators that would be apprehended.