CITIZENS COMPASS—Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (Enforcement) Unit (Taskforce), on Sunday, said it has impounded 32 vehicles within a space of one week.
The renewed week-long strategic enforcement operation targeted motorists driving against traffic, popularly known as one-way, following growing concerns over recurring road accidents, hit-and-run incidents and avoidable loss of lives across the State.
The operation, undertaken under the leadership of the Agency’s Chairman, CSP Adetayo Akerele, followed increasing public concerns expressed by residents, senior public and private sector executives, and media practitioners over the alarming resurgence of traffic violations, particularly the flagrant disregard for traffic regulations by motorists.
The week-long operation, which followed an earlier statewide advocacy and public sensitisation campaign in identified one-way-prone locations, resulted in the impoundment of 32 vehicles at different locations across Lagos State.
Although the Agency had, in recent times, scaled down its traffic enforcement activities, particularly against one-way driving, recent observations have revealed a disturbing resurgence of the offence across different parts of the State. This growing trend, characterised by lawlessness and blatant disregard for public safety, has necessitated a renewed and more strategic enforcement approach.
The Agency noted that well-meaning Lagosians and transport union leaders have expressed their willingness to support the renewed campaign by ensuring that their members comply with the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, particularly those relating to driving against traffic.
The Chairman reiterated that advocacy and public sensitisation would continue to complement the Agency’s renewed tactical enforcement strategy. He, however, warned that any vehicle found contravening traffic regulations, particularly driving against traffic, would be promptly impounded, with offenders prosecuted in a competent court of law in accordance with the applicable laws.
Akerele further cautioned owners of impounded vehicles against attempting to secure their release through unofficial channels or cutting corners. He urged them to present themselves through the appropriate legal process, warning that individuals posing as Taskforce officials could exploit such desperation to defraud unsuspecting motorists.
He stressed that the Agency would not compromise on the enforcement of traffic regulations, declaring: “Anyone who is bold enough to drive against traffic should be courageous enough to face the Magistrate.”
The Chairman appreciated the cooperation and support of transport unions, residents and law-abiding motorists who have identified with the Agency’s efforts to address the dangers posed by one-way driving and its devastating consequences, including avoidable accidents, destruction of property and loss of human lives.
He also urged private and commercial vehicle owners to desist from driving against traffic and strictly comply with all applicable traffic regulations, emphasising that road safety remains a collective responsibility.
The Lagos State Taskforce reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the renewed enforcement drive as part of broader efforts to promote road discipline, protect lives and property, and restore sanity and order on roads across Lagos State.
