Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) raked in a total of N11,353,781.25 as revenue for the state government in the last one year, just as VIS impounded 6,8101 vehicles during the period under review.
As Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi, made the disclosure on Tuesday, while addressing newsmen on the achievements his ministry as part of activities marking the second anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
According to Elegushi, “Through LASTA and VIS, a total revenue of N11,353,781.25 was generated,” saying VIS made N2,484,683,250, while LASTMA raked in the rest of the total figure.
The commissioner, who also insisted that VIO remained permanently banned from all the state roads as the well-being of Lagosians remained major concern of the state government under Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, said breakdown of the revenue generated by VIS was made of N856,746,500 from road fines, with the sum of N1,627,936,000 coming from Road Worthiness Certificate.
Giving further breakdown, Elegushi said VIS was able to impound a total of 6,801 vehicles between January and April 2017, while it picked 26,656 vehicles for not possessing Hackey Permit, Vehicle Licence, Insurance/Roadworthiness Certificates.
He said on the whole, VIS recorded 141,543 traffic violations in the state.
The commissioner, however, said the combines contribution of both agencies represented 0.6 per cent of the state’s annual revenue portfolio, pointing out that by implication such could not justify the claim that enforcement efforts by the state government was targeted at generating revenue.
“The combines contribution of both agencies represents 0.6% of the state’s annual revenue portfolio. By implication, this cannot justify such claims that our enforcement efforts is to generate revenue,” the commissioner said.
Speaking on the rail transportation, Elegushi said the state government had commenced review of the civil works and development of a road map to aid the light rail project completion.
“In order to achieve full operation for the blue line rail, we have engaged a rail company, ALSTOM and a transport development company, Planet Project Ltd, to review the civil works and develop a road map for the completion of the various operations.
“For the red line, a 37 kilometer rail route, we are in discussion with Messrs Marina Express for development of the Red Line. The process involves a review of the Project Development Agreement which will lead to detailed design and financial closure for the project,” the commissioner added.
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