ROAD-WORTHINESS CERTIFICATES COMPULSORY FOR ALL ROAD USERS – AMBODE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday stated that all vehicles plying Lagos roads must obtain valid Road Worthiness Certificate just as he commended the State Traffic Radio 96.1 FM for its innovative approach in organising the annual lecture series aimed at engaging stakeholders in the transport sector.
Speaking at the Third Edition of the Lagos Traffic Radio Lecture series, with the theme: “Lagos Transport Infrastructural Support System: The Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s Stride”, Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, explained that the present administration introduced various innovation to ease travel experience across the metropolis.
While calling on all road users to join the crusade of obtaining Road Worthiness certificate to make Lagos Roads accident-free, Ambode affirmed that the improved road network and integrated transport management system under his administration has positively impacted on travel time.
“In view of recent development, the only way we can arrest danger that unserviceable vehicles pose to other road users across the length and breadth of the State is by ensuring that all our vehicles are in good condition duly certified by the State Government including trucks and tankers. As a government, we will continue to work tremendously on the transport sector to make life easier for people commuting around Lagos.
On his part, the Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Ladipo Lawanson, represented at the event by the Director, Vehicle Inspection Service in the Ministry, Engr. Afis Toriola, stated that studies have revealed that the average travel time in Lagos State has reduced from 170 minutes to 100 minutes.
He attributed the reduction in travel time to massive infrastructure renewal and reforms in the transport sector, the efficiency of the traffic officials and the doggedness of the Traffic Radio Station, adding that plans are already in place to establish additional 10 vehicle computerized inspection centres before the end of the year.
Lawanson noted that by the time the newly awarded 181 inner roads projects are completed, the average travel time in and around Lagos would further improve and the quality of life of the residents would also receive a leap.
He used the occasion to urge motorists, especially commercial bus drivers, to obey road safety regulations so as to make commuting on Lagos roads less stressful.
While justifying the investment in other means of transportation like the waterways and the railway, the Commissioner declared that other transportation sectors must be developed to complement the present pressure on the road because the number of vehicles plying Lagos road is huge.
There are about 234 vehicles plying Lagos roads per kilometre whereas, in other developed countries, it is about 50 vehicles per kilometre. This explains why the state government is working towards developing other modes of transportation in the State”.
The General Manager, Radio Station 96.1 FM, Mr. Olayinka Adagun said that the annual lecture series was instituted to provide a platform for stakeholders to come together and proffer solutions to traffic situations and the State transport system in general.
According to him, the idea was conceived in 2016 and since then, the event has recorded tremendous success in educating relevant stakeholders in the transport sector and in advising the state government.
“This is the third in the series, we started in 2016 when we conceived the idea of going beyond just reporting traffic updates to engaging relevant stakeholders in meaningful discussions that would further improve the entire transport architecture of the State government”, Adagun said.