Lagos: LASTMA moves to curb highway crashes by dispatch riders

Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Monday, said it is intensifying efforts to address spate of accidents involving dispatch riders on major highways across the state.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki noted that the agency had written to union representatives of dispatch riders, as part of its ongoing traffic safety advocacy and enforcement strategy.

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“There are plans to convene a stakeholders’ engagement with courier service operators and riders to promote strict adherence to safety regulations.

“The engagement will focus on encouraging riders to prioritise not only the safety of other road users ,but also their personal wellbeing,” he said.

The LASTMA boss noted that the Lagos State Government remained committed to ensuring optimal safety and security of lives and property.

According to him, the forthcoming engagement would bring together key stakeholders, including unions and service providers, to address concerns and improve compliance with traffic laws.

He akso said that the agency’s school traffic advocacy programme, engages youths to promote road safety awareness and responsible behaviour, while ensuring that safety remains a priority among residents.

The LASTMA boss noted that the agency is intentional about its programme, adding that it is saddled with the responsibility to ensure optimal safety of Lagos road, by capturing young minds in the state .

He said that the agency had already reached out to about 38 per cent to 39 per cent of schools in Lagos state, between January and March.