After season of sanity on Lagos roads during former Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode administration, VIOs are back under Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, in partnership with Huawei Technologies, has deployed four new Intelligent Transport System (ITS) sites across the state to monitor motorists.
Whereas the government claims that these installations aim to monitor and manage traffic flow, detect speeding, and enforce traffic regulations, analysts say the real aim of the Huawei deal is to reap off millions of illiterate motorists from fines.
A traffic expert, who pleaded anonymity, said in an interview that “In saner climes where such digital infrastructures are installed, their government will take out times to educate motorists on how it works, penalties and advantages, but here, it is not like that but to make money for government.
According to hi, “With this very poor enlightenment, it may not out of place to claim that the rea aim of the scheme is to reap off uninformed motorists in the state”.
“For instance, where there is supposed to have road signs indicating n U-Turn, you will not see it there, but security agents will be posted around the place to catch offenders for extortions.
The expert averred that “The State government has not done enough to only announce the partnership with Huawei without an advertorial and jingles in Radios and other media for the public to know more on the workings of the technology.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced that enforcement of these measures will commence immediately.
Motorists detected violating traffic laws by the ITS will receive SMS notifications from the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), detailing the nature of the violation and the corresponding fines.
The fines are set at N20,000 for running red lights and N50,000 for exceeding speed limits.
Commissioner Osiyemi emphasized that the initiative is not intended to be punitive but aims to encourage responsible driving behavior and reduce the incidence of road accidents.
He stated, “The goal is simple: to save lives, protect property, and create an orderly transportation environment.”
He urged all road users, including private motorists, commercial drivers, and transport unions, to comply with traffic laws by observing speed limits, maintaining lane discipline, and avoiding dangerous maneuvers.
The deployment of these ITS sites is part of a broader strategy to integrate advanced technology into Lagos State’s transportation infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the newly established ITS sites are categorized into two main functions:
Checkpoint Sites for Speed Detection:
Alapere, Ogudu Road: Enforced speed limit of 80 km/h.
NITEL, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way: Enforced speed limit of 60 km/h.
These locations are equipped to detect and deter overspeeding, a leading cause of road accidents.
E-Police Sites for Traffic Violations:
Allen Avenue Road Junction
Nurudeen Olowopopo Road
These sites are designed to monitor various traffic infractions, including running red lights, improper lane usage, illegal U-turns, and reversing on highways.
High-definition cameras and real-time monitoring systems will function as virtual traffic enforcement officers, ensuring adherence to road regulations even in the absence of physical officers.
The collaboration with Huawei Technologies underscores the government’s commitment to leveraging innovative solutions for urban planning and traffic management.
Key Points of Note for Lagos Motorists
On Alapere, Ogudu Road
-You cannot exceed 80 km/h
Around NITEL, and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja
– You cannot exceed 60 km/h
Allen Avenue Road Junction & Nurudeen Olowopopo Road
– You cannot run red lights,
-You cannot change lanes improperly,
-You cannot do illegal U-turns,
-You cannot reverse on highways
