Ikeja – Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Thursday in Ikeja signed the Lagos State Road Traffic Bill into law.

The governor assented to the bill at a ceremony attended by members of the executive council, top officials of the police and those of other traffic management agencies.

Fashola said the new law was a holistic review of the state’s traffic law of 2003, adding that it was designed to ensure safety on the roads.

He said that the growth of Lagos into a mega city with large migration into the state had resulted in traffic congestion, saying that the new law was one of government`s strategies to manage the situation.

Lagos State Governor, Fashola

“This new law is also the state government`s intervention to the alarming statistics of road accidents, especially those caused by reckless driving and activities of commercial motorcyclists.

“From records at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), 722 accidents were reported, comprising 568 males and 154 females between Januaryt and July this year.

“At our Toll Gate Trauma Centre, 254 accidents, which resulted in 35 deaths, were recorded during the same period. Fifty per cent of the cases were caused by okada riders, 27 per cent of the victims were passengers and 23 per cent pedestrians.

“These are alarming figures and we cannot afford to allow this to continue, hence our intervention with this law. “ he said.

Fashola sought residents’ voluntary compliance with the law, emphasising its real objective was to improve the traffic situation rather than putting people in jail.

He pledged that his government would strictly implement the law, assuring that offenders would be given fair hearing and would be accorded the right to defend themselves during prosecution.

Mr Ade Ipaye, Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, said the law sought to promote the life expectancy of residents as it would significantly reduce congestion.

Ipaye added that the law would address the safety and security issues associated with operations of commercial motorcyclists and illegal use of vehicles in the state.

He said the law would not be implemented immediately, adding that a lot of public enlightenment would be carried out while copies distributed to residents.

The new law clearly spelt’s out what now constituted traffic offences in the state, as well as the penalty each attracted.

According to the document, trailers, with the exemption of fuel tankers and long passenger trucks are now prohibited from entering into or travelling within the metropolis from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Violators risk impoundment of their vehicles and payment of N50,000 fine or six months imprisonment.

Another salient provision of the law is the prohibition of eating, counting money, making phone calls and engaging in other dangerous activities while driving, prescribing a fine of N30,000 for violators.

Other highlights included the ban on operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles on major bridges, Ikorodu Road, Funsho Williams Avenue, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos-Badagry Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway.

It also compelled commercial bus drivers and their conductors to wear identification tags while property owners are also compelled to report cases of abandoned vehicles in their vicinity or risk punishment.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are empowered to administer breathylizers on drivers to detect their drunkenness while owners of commercial vehicles are compelled to obtain operating licences from government. (NAN)

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/08/fashola-signs-lagos-road-traffic-bill-into-law/

A bit Draconian . . so if I were moving from one location to another, I have to wait till night time to drive back and forth in my Uhaul -like truck? Or Does this also exclude moving trucks? Ice-Cream trucks,and other businesses? Or is this to FORCE trucking companies to consider rail?

Good move as regards heavy trucks. This is how it's done in London and New york city at least I know of those two cities. There's a fine for heavy trucks that violates the order. Well done BRF

olivertwist: Good move as regards heavy trucks. This is how it's done in London and New york city at least I know of those two cities. There's a fine for heavy trucks that violates the order. Well done BRF

Well said!

Kobojunkie: A bit Draconian . . so if I were moving from one location to another, I have to wait till night time to drive back and forth in my Uhaul -like truck? Or Does this also exclude moving trucks? Ice-Cream trucks,and other businesses? Or[b] is this to FORCE trucking companies to consider rail?[/b]

That is obvious.

We need to progress in Nigeria, abeg!

jason123:

That is obvious.

We need to progress in Nigeria, abeg!

Sometimes the only way to get things done rightly is to take it to the extreme. I sincerely applaud Fashola for this one. At least those who have no business driving on the road should steer clear of the road. Just because you can start a car, press the accelerator is not a licence to start driving on the road.

Law and order needs to be set.

Eko o ni baaje oh!

jason123:

That is obvious.

We need to progress in Nigeria, abeg!

Obvious where? What part of this law covers this OBVIOUS move? You know what?Forget cause I already know how you reason so I am not going to waste my time expecting anything near critical from you.

I applaud banning trucks movement but they must provide security for them at night

They must have read my mind. I've been waiting for them to pass this law like forever.

The foundation for any sane and stable society is its laws.

Well done Fashola!

jason123: Ikeja – Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Thursday in Ikeja signed the Lagos State Road Traffic Bill into law.

The governor assented to the bill at a ceremony attended by members of the executive council, top officials of the police and those of other traffic management agencies.

Fashola said the new law was a holistic review of the state’s traffic law of 2003, adding that it was designed to ensure safety on the roads.

He said that the growth of Lagos into a mega city with large migration into the state had resulted in traffic congestion, saying that the new law was one of government`s strategies to manage the situation.

Lagos State Governor, Fashola

“This new law is also the state government`s intervention to the alarming statistics of road accidents, especially those caused by reckless driving and activities of commercial motorcyclists.

“From records at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), 722 accidents were reported, comprising 568 males and 154 females between Januaryt and July this year.

“At our Toll Gate Trauma Centre, 254 accidents, which resulted in 35 deaths, were recorded during the same period. Fifty per cent of the cases were caused by okada riders, 27 per cent of the victims were passengers and 23 per cent pedestrians.

“These are alarming figures and we cannot afford to allow this to continue, hence our intervention with this law. “ he said.

Fashola sought residents’ voluntary compliance with the law, emphasising its real objective was to improve the traffic situation rather than putting people in jail.

He pledged that his government would strictly implement the law, assuring that offenders would be given fair hearing and would be accorded the right to defend themselves during prosecution.

Mr Ade Ipaye, Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, said the law sought to promote the life expectancy of residents as it would significantly reduce congestion.

Ipaye added that the law would address the safety and security issues associated with operations of commercial motorcyclists and illegal use of vehicles in the state.

He said the law would not be implemented immediately, adding that a lot of public enlightenment would be carried out while copies distributed to residents.

The new law clearly spelt’s out what now constituted traffic offences in the state, as well as the penalty each attracted.

According to the document, trailers, with the exemption of fuel tankers and long passenger trucks are now prohibited from entering into or travelling within the metropolis from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Violators risk impoundment of their vehicles and payment of N50,000 fine or six months imprisonment.

Another salient provision of the law is the prohibition of eating, counting money, making phone calls and engaging in other dangerous activities while driving, prescribing a fine of N30,000 for violators.

Other highlights included the ban on operations of commercial motorcycles and tricycles on major bridges, Ikorodu Road, Funsho Williams Avenue, Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, Lagos-Badagry Expressway and Lekki-Epe Expressway.

It also [b]compelled commercial bus drivers and their conductors to wear identification tags [/b]while property owners are also compelled to report cases of abandoned vehicles in their vicinity or risk punishment.

Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are empowered to administer breathylizers on drivers to detect their drunkenness while owners of commercial vehicles are compelled to obtain operating licences from government. (NAN)

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/08/fashola-signs-lagos-road-traffic-bill-into-law/

meaning conductors might have to start wearing (hustle) uniform?

Conductors already have uniforms, the dirty underwear known as a singlet on dirty jeans folded at the knees.

@ kobojunkie. Is not that the law is draconian or what have you but has the govt being able to do to achieve 100percent infrastructure ? Once u have organized system that 's when ur law become your word and a weaponas well. If we truly have a nation that is working , unemployment rate is alarming that's why you ve a lot of pple ridin okada as a means to eke out a living . If the roads are good n effective transportation is in place there will be less okadas on road. It's really alarming . Though I do likee his tough stance at times but there are time ur law could have a retrogressive effect. You bundle every one to jail at the slightest mistake and they will prove ignorantia juris aud excusat, wider consultations have to be reached before assenting any bills whatsoever. You can just impose laws like that. Let us have 100percent infrastructure.
More importantly, we say mortality rate is on the increase .how many of the ambulances are 100percent functional to reduce death occurence and the approach of the medics and paramedics?
No doubt we must be ready to pay sacrifice but at the expense of who? Definitely the masses is always at the receiving end. GOd help us

THIS GUY FASHOLA IS DAMM GOOD AND SMART,KUDOS TO FASHOLA
HOPEFULLY OTHER STATES SHOULD PLAN ALONG THIS LINE OF PLANNING TOO

The law restricting the movement of trucks was first passed during the colonial era. It was ignored during the military era. Governor Tinubu tried to reinstate it (including banning trucks from using some bridges and constructing over-head bars on some roads and bridges).

I hope they strictly enforce it this time (especially in the Apapa and Ojo districts) in order to eliminate the awful traffic jams these trucks cause. (I was once stuck on Park Lane Apapa for 3 hours because of one of these crazy truck drivers).

Fashola sought residents’ voluntary compliance with the law, emphasising its real objective was to improve the traffic situation rather than putting people in jail.

Ipaye added that the law would address the safety and security issues associated with operations of commercial motorcyclists and illegal use of vehicles in the state.

He said the law would not be implemented immediately, adding that a lot of public enlightenment would be carried out while copies distributed to residents.

This is very important. They need a good public enlightenment campaign.

Eating while driving?
What kind of food do they have in mind here?they better specify as the hausa man will always eat his gworo while driving(abi that one no be eating?)
For me snacks and some light foods that dont require much hand attention should be exempt,while eating real foods should be prohibited.Imagine driving with one hand and using the other to be cutting and moulding pounded yam,amala,tuwo or akpu,now that's risky

“The deputy governor and I are the only ones that have immunity from arrest, but we will subject ourselves to the law because no one will be above this law.

http://www.punchng.com/news/lasg-signs-law-to-test-jail-traffic-offenders/

Is this law really for everyone? Fashola should actually prepare to have another police LASTMA because soon we will hear that they are now practice targets for the men in uniform(just saying). Go ask questions, many of these okadas and commercial buses belong to men in the force. And when those people in government break this law, this same government will arrest them? That will be nice to see. And when people in government arrest and lock up people for breaking a traffic law, they should also ask themselves how many times they arrest and jail people that steal the state blind. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.

And if you are used to chewing gum to keep awake in the dreadful Lagos traffic, please look for alternative measures because LASTMA will use every execuse to generate funds.

In simple terms, it is motorists beware! Just a bite on that snack or a sip from a sachet or bottle of water from that harmless hawker while on motion is now a traffic offence in the state. http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=94360:fashola-signs-law-against-phone-use-eating-by-motorists&catid=1:national&Itemid=559

I don't know if there is a contrary judgement to the one below:

LASTMA can’t impose fine on traffic offenders – Court
On September 22, 2011 · In News

By INNOCENT ANABA
LAGOS- Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has declared that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, lacks the power to impose fine on traffic offenders.

Delivering judgment in the suit filed by Mr. Jonathan Odutola, Justice Abang declared that sections 9, 11, 12 and 13 of the law establishing LASTMA is unconstitutional and of no effect.

The judge not only awarded N500,000 against LASTMA, but stated that the four sections of its law were contrary to Section 36 of the Constitution, which gives the right of fair- hearing to every Nigerian.

He held that while LASTMA has the power to arrest traffic offenders, it does not have the powers to impose fine on them, adding that instead, it is a court of law that has power to impose fine on anybody who contravenes the law.

The judge submitted that the imposition of fine on any traffic offender by LASTMA amounted to being a judge in its own cause.

He said: “Sections 9, 11, 12, and 13 of the law establishing LASTMA is unconstitutional. It is against the spirit of the Section 36 of the Constitution, which gives right of fair-hearing to every Nigerian. Moreover, that would amount to being a judge in your own cause.”

Odutola had dragged LASTMA to court for unlawfully impounding his car and imposing and slamming an illegal fine on him.

In the suit, he stated that last March, while driving his car on Third Mainland Bridge, it suddenly developed some mechanical problems.

According to him, to ensure that the car did not obstruct free flow of traffic, he immediately called a towing-van which towed the vehicle completely out of the road.

He said he also paid towing-van operator some money for the service rendered.

Odutola stated that he also called his mechanics to come and rescue him and the vehicle, adding that as soon as the mechanics arrived, some policemen patrolling the bridge who apparently wanted him to give them money refused them to work on the car.

When he insisted, Odutola and the mechanics were thoroughly beaten and harassed.

The policemen then called LASTMA officials at Sura, Lagos Island, who immediately came and towed the applicant’s car to their office and consequently slammed him with a fine if he must get his car back

https://www.nairaland.com/765555/lastma-t-impose-fine-traffic

Biggyd2: I don't know if there is a contrary judgement to the one below:

LASTMA can’t impose fine on traffic offenders – Court
On September 22, 2011 · In News

By INNOCENT ANABA
LAGOS- Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has declared that Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, lacks the power to impose fine on traffic offenders.

Delivering judgment in the suit filed by Mr. Jonathan Odutola, Justice Abang declared that sections 9, 11, 12 and 13 of the law establishing LASTMA is unconstitutional and of no effect.

The judge not only awarded N500,000 against LASTMA, but stated that the four sections of its law were contrary to Section 36 of the Constitution, which gives the right of fair- hearing to every Nigerian.

He held that while LASTMA has the power to arrest traffic offenders, it does not have the powers to impose fine on them, adding that instead, it is a court of law that has power to impose fine on anybody who contravenes the law.

The judge submitted that the imposition of fine on any traffic offender by LASTMA amounted to being a judge in its own cause.

He said: “Sections 9, 11, 12, and 13 of the law establishing LASTMA is unconstitutional. It is against the spirit of the Section 36 of the Constitution, which gives right of fair-hearing to every Nigerian. Moreover, that would amount to being a judge in your own cause.”

Odutola had dragged LASTMA to court for unlawfully impounding his car and imposing and slamming an illegal fine on him.

In the suit, he stated that last March, while driving his car on Third Mainland Bridge, it suddenly developed some mechanical problems.

According to him, to ensure that the car did not obstruct free flow of traffic, he immediately called a towing-van which towed the vehicle completely out of the road.

He said he also paid towing-van operator some money for the service rendered.

Odutola stated that he also called his mechanics to come and rescue him and the vehicle, adding that as soon as the mechanics arrived, some policemen patrolling the bridge who apparently wanted him to give them money refused them to work on the car.

When he insisted, Odutola and the mechanics were thoroughly beaten and harassed.

The policemen then called LASTMA officials at Sura, Lagos Island, who immediately came and towed the applicant’s car to their office and consequently slammed him with a fine if he must get his car back

https://www.nairaland.com/765555/lastma-t-impose-fine-traffic

That's what he meant by

He pledged that his government would strictly implement the law, assuring that offenders would be given fair hearing and would be accorded the right to defend themselves during prosecution.

The judge said LASTMA can't unilaterally impose fines because that goes against the principle of nemo judex in causa sua (you can't be a judge in your own cause). They have to take the suspects to court. It is the court that would impose the fines.

naptu2:

That4 what he meant by



The judge said LASTMA can't unilaterally impose fines because that goes against the principle of nemo judex in causa sua (you can't be a judge in your own cause). They have to take the suspects to court. It is the court that would impose the fines.

We are waiting to see this happen. My take is that the law should be for everybody. No wahala.

And won't it to be nice to have the government open up more roads to decrease traffic congestion or repair many of the dilapidated ones so people will not have the urge to look for illegal alternative routes ie. one ways.

“Those who are ready to live with the realities and the complexities of our state are welcome and those who can’t should stay away. Fashola.

And if some indigenes of Lagos have a problem with this law, which state would they be 'shifted' to? LOL.

Okada banned on Ikorodu road? I dey laugh oooo

Note that those who break the law and "escape" can still be traced with the aid of the auto-inspector. See below.

[size=14pt]Policeman Protests Towing Of Car, Shoots At LASTMA[/size]

A policeman, Solomon Awodogan, on Wednesday allegedly shot indiscriminately at the Iponri office of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to protest the towing of his vehicle by the agency’s officials.

PUNCH Metro learnt that LASTMA officials had towed the vehicle after it was parked on the Bus Rapid Transit lane.

The General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Babatunde Edu, said after the shooting, the policeman got itno his vehicle and sped off.

Edu said, “The policeman reportedly stormed the Iponri office of LASTMA, shot sporadically and forcibly ran away with his apprehended vehicle. The red Mercedes Benz with number plate JV 23KJA was apprehended at Oyingbo for parking on the BRT dedicated lane, thereby violating the BRT traffic law.

“The owner of the vehicle deliberately parked on the dedicated lane without recourse for the established law as it became an impediment for BRT buses to move on the lane. This led to the towing of the vehicle. The Mercedes Benz was booked in accordance with Lagos State Traffic Management Regulation law.

“The suspect, who later traced the vehicle to the Iponri office of the agency, wore a cream top on his police trousers and started shooting into the air indiscriminately to scare away the officers and the security men on duty and succeeded in taking away the vehicle from the yard.”

Edu expressed disappointment that a law enforcement agent could break the law with impunity, adding that such acts of indiscipline could lead to the breakdown of law and order.

Edu said the policeman, whose address was traced to 10, Abolade Street, Mushin through the aid of the auto inspector computer software, would be sanctioned accordingly so as to serve as a deterrent to others.

When contacted, the spokesperson fo

r the State Police Command, Ngozi Braide, said she was unaware of the incident but promised to find out.

http://www.punchng.com/metro/policeman-protests-towing-of-car-shoots-at-lastma-office/

https://www.nairaland.com/1006890/policeman-protests-towing-car-shoots

Good move

Up Gej

Am I missin something or didn't the law only ban "articulated trucks" between 6am and 9am. "Articulated trucks = truck head + body. In other words, TRAILERS, since tankers are exempt. It does not ban 6 or 10 tyre tippers, it does not ban non articulated water tankers, canther/cabster type trucks or lorries.

If LAHA/Fashola truly meant 2 mimic western cities, fuel tankers ought 2 be the first on the banned list. Infact, their movement across the federation should be limited 2 night time. This will greatly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities involvin tankers

I also think impoundin the vehicle where the driver commits the offence and subsequently sentenced 2 jail, runs against the principle of natural justice whereby everyone must be accountable and punishable for their crimes (aside conspiracy, joint enterprise, aid and abettin offences). Why should the vehicle owner (who might even not be in the country) be penalised due 2 the criminal act of his driver, who is already jailed. Its also double jeopardy in law and am sure won't stand the test of time

Finally, the issue of fake licence. Haba, the govt knows the root of this. No one willingly "buys" a fake licence. In most cases, its the unscrupulous frsc officials that r behind it. How would u know its fake, especially since u got it from an frsc official in the frsc office? Would u expect money u receive from a bank 2 be fake? If it were, u av a good chance of spotting it due 2 the marks on it. Maybe they should put security marks on licences and educate members of the public (FG r u listenin). Its no different from how we detect fake currency notes. If I were caught wit a fake licence on the strEets of London, the Met Police would be more interested in the syndicate behind the fake licence and not immediately slammin me wit a 3yr jail term. That is just treatin the symptoms not the cause.

So in summary, good move by Lagos govt bt some fine tunin and public enlightenment needed

jason123: Ikeja – Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State on Thursday in Ikeja signed the Lagos State Road Traffic Bill into law.

He said the law would not be implemented immediately, adding that a lot of public enlightenment would be carried out while copies distributed to residents.

The new law clearly spelt’s out what now constituted traffic offences in the state, as well as the penalty each attracted.

Another salient provision of the law is the prohibition of eating, counting money, making phone calls and engaging in other dangerous activities while driving, prescribing a fine of N30,000 for violators.

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2012/08/fashola-signs-lagos-road-traffic-bill-into-law/

^^^If the press reports about this law are to be believed, I would suggest those who drafted this law and the man who signed it should take a good look at their 'law' and what it seeks to criminalize. A few days ago, the story was that smoking at the wheel was prohibited. Now we are being told that eating at the wheel is also an egregious crime. What next?

Mr Fashola and company should stop wasting time and focus instead on the activities of the NURTW, NARTO and a motley crew of unkempt local government council staff at the so-called parks and bus stops. These fellows (in league with the thoroughly jaundiced duo of the NPF & the LASTMA) ARE the reason why traffic in this city does not flow freely. And while Messrs Fashola et al are at it, they should actually read the town planning edicts and bye-laws in place and ENFORCE the common sense provisions of these existing laws. Fixing the roads instead of wasting money organising senseless jamborees to celebrate the birthday of the party 'leader' would help too!

He should put roads in order..

flexya: Am I missin something or didn't the law only ban "articulated trucks" between 6am and 9am. "Articulated trucks = truck head + body. In other words, TRAILERS, since tankers are exempt. It does not ban 6 or 10 tyre tippers, it does not ban non articulated water tankers, canther/cabster type trucks or lorries.

If LAHA/Fashola truly meant 2 mimic western cities, fuel tankers ought 2 be the first on the banned list. Infact, their movement across the federation should be limited 2 night time. This will greatly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities involvin tankers

I completely agree with you. However, when Tinubu tried to enforce the law, tanker drivers went on strike, fuel queues grew at petrol station and Tinubu backed down.

I think they are trying to work something out with the Federal Government, NUPENG and the marketers to put an end to the problems caused by tanker drivers.

Bobs!! haba!! okay na no problem! this guy was angry when he considered this - very angry

No thanx for the heartless bill.. Overzealousness of being the first will consume this gov one day... That bill will cause more harm than good and very untimely... Lagos roads are very confusing for people not conversant with the terrain and how do you expect strangers who troop in Lagos in thousands daily for business transactions to cope with such a draconian and non-sensible traffic law.. Do Fashola think that a sane man ll intentionally drive on one way roads? Has he made enough public enlightenment campaign on this issue before running faster than his legs? How many road signs has Fashola erected in strategic roads to raise awareness of which roads are one way? I quite agree with him on driving and making calls or eating @ sametime..
The question is who benefits from this anti-masses and anti-poor traffic rule? The LASTMA officials .. They ll mk mess of it..Who's company ll be responsible for the revenue collection? It can be no other peron than fellow ACN stalwart in their so called public private initiative just the way Tinubu's is in charge of IGR in Lagos.. Na wa for ACN, democratic my anus..and always be the first to raise false alarm..

Pataki:

Sometimes the only way to get things done rightly is to take it to the extreme. I sincerely applaud Fashola for this one. At least those who have no business driving on the road should steer clear of the road. Just because you can start a car, press the accelerator is not a licence to start driving on the road.

Law and order needs to be set.

Eko o ni baaje oh!

A blind position from no other person than pataki d paid liar.. Even your partner, Kobojunkie is reasonable on this issue... The law is good but the timing is very wrong, the same we argued on the fuel subsidy debate..This law has its numerous flux cos a lot of things need put in place first.. It's not just feasible now and the implementation ll be bastardized.. LASTma officials are busy drinking to the economic boom of corruption coming their way, lol.