The Lagos State Government has “permanently” banned the activities of Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO, in the state while also directing the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC to limit their activities to only fringes and highways.
Governor Akinwumi Ambode said this during the commissioning of Pedestrian Bridges, Laybys and Slip Road at Ojodu Berger on Tuesday.
He said the decision was to ensure free flow of traffic in the State, as according to him, activities of the affected agencies contribute to traffic congestion along the roads.
“Let me use this opportunity to reiterate that Vehicle Inspection Officers, VIO, have been asked to stay off our roads permanently,” Ambode said.
“We also advise the Federal Road Safety Corps to stay on the fringes and highways and not on the main streets of Lagos.
“It has become evident that these agencies contribute to the traffic challenges on our roads.”
The Governor said the state government would employ the use of technology in tracking and monitoring of vehicle registration and certifications and in order to de-emphasise impoundment of vehicles on the roads.
On the importance of the projects being commissioned, Ambode said the intervention was based on the fact that the area was a major gateway into the State, hence the need to decongest the road.
He said: “What we set out to achieve with this project was to ensure smooth flow of traffic along the express, safeguard the lives of our people who had to run across the express and project the image of a truly global city to our visitors.
“Today, we are delighted that we have not only succeeded in transforming the landscape of this axis but with the slip road, laybys and pedestrian bridge, we have given a new and pleasant experience to all entering and exiting our State.
The governor assured that his administration will continue with ongoing efforts to profer solutions to the nagging traffic challenges for which Lagos State has been known over the years.
“If your neighbourhood or community is experiencing traffic challenges, be rest assured that we will soon be there,” he told the people.