LAGOS STATE GOVT SHOULD CREATE LANES FOR BICYCLE RIDING....FRSC CORPS MARSHAL

According to him, human population in Lagos was 9,113,605 by 2006 National Census, but currently being estimated to be about 21 million, pointing out that with the vehicular population of about 2 million, Lagos remains the most economically attractive state in the country due to its location and enviable position for shipment and haulage services.
“Lagos is the destination of choice for many foreign visitors and investors,” he stated.
“This preference has translated to increased motorisation and business transactions which often impede on existing transportation infrastructure.” he further stated.

Speaking on the relative stability achieved in the rate of tanker crashes in the country following FRSC’s interventions after the first fatal crash that occurred on 31st May, 2015 in Anambra state, Oyeyemi stated that with the deployment of FRSC officials to the depots and tank farms across the country under the “safe to load” scheme, a total of 10,782 trucks have so far been checked, out of which 4,211 were found not to have met the minimum safety standards, adding that 3,472 of the drivers were found with expired driver’s licence.

The Corps Marshal commended the Lagos sate government for establishing 5 coordinated driver institutes in the state, describing the policy as exemplary, and called for its sustenance to accomplish the intended purpose. While applauding the state Governor, Akinwumi Ambode for his untiring efforts to resolve the perennial Lagos traffic, Oyeyemi assured the state of sustained collaboration of the FRSC in the collective determination to make the state attractive to investors and tourists through efficient traffic management.

On the way forward for the Lagos traffic snarl, Oyeyemi called for road user education, approval for the Nigeria Road Safety Strategy (NRSS) by the Federal Executive Council which he urges the state to immediately commence its implementation; exposure of traffic managers to modern traffic systems and best practice and the need for Lagos state traffic management authorities to collaborate with the FRSC to promote regular interfacing and independent review of policies.

“Lagos state government should increase the capacity of the current mass transit scheme, to serve as disincentive to private vehicle usage in the state,” he stated.

“The state should also empower traffic management/enforcement agencies to operate 24 hours and the state government should strengthen the enforcement collaboration of Lagos VIO, LASTMA and the FRSC.
“Lagos state is to create dedicated lanes for non-motorised transport and encourage the use of bicycles to cover short distances,” Oyeyemi submitted.

The Summit which was declared open by the Governor of Lagos state, Akiwunmi Ambode attracted paper presentations from different transport experts, academia and transport operators and drew participation from different stakeholders.