Encomium
Lagos State Government has given a “No Stop” order for commercial vehicles between Oworonsoki and Obalende along the 3rd Axial Bridge in Lagos, just as it announced a new regime of official Number Plates to be deployed for the State’s Public Service.
The State Acting Commissioner for the Ministry of Transportation, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, who disclosed this during a Press Briefing at Bagauda Kaltho, Alausa, noted that all commercial vehicles wishing to drop passengers at Adeniji and Sura Junctions should detour into Idumagbo and Sura before turning to rejoin the road.
He maintained that the State Government has plans for immediate enforcement of the “No Stop” order, adding that the stretch inward Lagos needed to be managed more effectively.
Similarly, the Commissioner also emphasised that extortion by Council Officials with respect to traffic offences will be curbed, noting that Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas officials are not constitutionally empowered to arrest and fine motorists.
Citing several complaints and allegations evidenced by traffic offence receipts, Elegushi said their roles cannot be that of enforcement but rather traffic control assistance. He averred that only the Nigerian Police, The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) are so empowered.
He, therefore, urged motorists and Lagosians alike to report any such illegal activities to the Ministry of Transportation through their e-mail: [email protected] or call 09094555222.
Furthermore, the Commissioner announced a new regime of Official Number Plate for the State’s Public Service to allow the State Government ensure better identification of Government vehicles and end the era of abuse with its negative consequences on security.
According to him, “The State Government was aware of challenges of the former official number plate being randomly available to persons who should not ordinarily have access to them, hence the need for a new regime that is scheduled to be introduced by the end of the first quarter. Under the new arrangement, official number plate would no longer be transferable and will only be for the use of the State Public Servants.
