The Lagos State Government is set for the full implementation of an ambitious transport management system planned to proffer the needed solutions to the myriad of perennial traffic challenges, improve the connectivity of bus and other forms of transport and ensure that there is harmony and peace in the transport sector across the state.

The State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Ladi Lawanson, disclosed this at the Y2018 Ministerial Press briefing at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre Alausa, to commemorate the Third Year anniversary in Office of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode. He said the first set of medium and high capacity passenger buses to seat 40 and 80 passengers respectively will arrive the state by September this year.

Speaking on the Apapa articulated trucks induced traffic gridlock, the Commissioner said though the case requires collaborative approach with other stakeholders especially the Federal Government and Nigeria Ports Authority, the solution to the issue is in sight going by the present administration’s plan to build a truck Terminal Park at Ijora.

He maintained that the state is investing heavily on the Traffic Signal Lights and has installed 140 Traffic Signal Lights, 87 of which operate on solar energy, for effective traffic management and control while appealing to members of the public to desist from damaging this crucial road furniture.

The Commissioner further announced that the state has achieved 95 percent completion level on the Mile 2-National Theatre segment of the blue line project and focus has therefore shifted to National Theatre-Marina segment which has attained 65 percent completion level.

According to him, the State Government has received the Right of Way approval from the Federal Government for the 37-kilometer rail route while discussions are being held with Marina Express Train Services Limited for its development.

He, however, decried the recklessness of some motorists, especially commercial transport drivers, informing that 2,372 vehicles were involved in 827 road accidents across the State during the period under review with cars accounting for 1,686 of the number.

“Other categories of vehicles involved in crashes comprised of 163 motorcycles, 101 tricycles, 853 buses, 196 jeeps, 476 trucks, 265 trailers, 85 containerised trailers and 82 tankers leading to 1,250 casualties,” he added.

Lawanson emphasised that the State Drivers Institute has trained and accredited 755 drivers since January 2017, revealing that the Institute has qualified Optometrists who treat drivers with defective sights that are inconsistent with the standards required for driving on the road.

He further added that such drivers are not prevented from driving but usually expected to take necessary glasses before their recertification card is released to them. (lagosstate.gov.ng)