Tola Adenubi, Author at Tribune Online

The Lagos State Government on Thursday announced the introduction of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) at four locations across the state. Additionally, the state government announced that, henceforth, drivers who overspeed will be fined N50,000, while red light offenders will be fined N20,000. Addressing newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos, the Honourable Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, stated that the new installations will complement the state's existing ANPR cameras and other Traffic Management Solution (TMS) devices, reinforcing the state's commitment to improving road safety, optimizing traffic management, and fostering a more efficient transportation network in a rapidly growing city. According to Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, "These initiatives align with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's vision for a smarter, safer, and more sustainable Lagos. "The Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) integrates advanced information, communication, sensing, control, and computer technologies into our transportation management framework. This innovative system allows for real-time monitoring and management of traffic conditions, enabling precise, efficient, and comprehensive control of transportation activities. "Today, I am pleased to announce the deployment of four new ITS sites designed to monitor, manage, and enforce road traffic laws effectively. These sites are categorized into two key functions: Checkpoint Sites for Speed Detection and E-Police Sites for Monitoring Traffic Violations. "For the Checkpoint Sites designed to detect overspeeding, one is located at Alapere, Ogudu Road, with a speed limit of 80km/h, while the other is installed at Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, with a speed limit of 60km/h. "These checkpoint sites are strategically located to detect and deter cases of overspeeding, which remains one of the leading causes of road accidents. Offenders for overspeeding will be fined N50,000. "On the other hand, the E-Police Sites for Traffic Violations are installed at Allen Avenue Road Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road. These e-Police sites are designed to detect a wide range of traffic violations, including running red lights, non-compliance with lane discipline, illegal U-turns, and reverse driving on highways. ALSO READ: Reps to hold 12 regional, national public hearings — Kalu "Through high-definition cameras and real-time monitoring systems, these e-Police sites will serve as virtual traffic enforcement officers, ensuring that drivers adhere to road regulations, even when physical officers are not present. "It is important to note that enforcement will commence immediately. Motorists who violate traffic laws as detected by the ITS will receive SMS notifications from the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) department, detailing the nature of the violation and the corresponding fines to be paid. Red light offenders will be fined N20,000. "This system is not designed to be punitive but to encourage responsible driving behavior and reduce the rate of accidents on our roads. The goal is simple: to save lives, protect property, and create an orderly transportation environment. "The benefits of the ITS include: Improved Road Safety: By discouraging reckless driving behaviors. Efficient Traffic Flow: Reducing congestion through better monitoring and management. Data-Driven Decisions: Helping government agencies plan more effectively based on real-time traffic data. Transparency: Minimizing human interference reduces the potential for disputes and enhances fairness in enforcement. "All road users—private motorists, commercial drivers, and transport unions—are urged to comply with the traffic laws and regulations of Lagos State. Drive within the speed limits, obey traffic signals, maintain your lane discipline, and avoid dangerous maneuvers such as reverse driving on major roads." Earlier, the Honourable Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Olatubosun Alake, noted that the Lagos State government was poised to deliver a technologically advanced city. Alake said that the initiative would drive a positive transport outcome for the state, adding that, with the solution, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority's job would become easier and more effective.