…Says Public Sensitization on Enforcement Continues
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The Lagos State Government has provided clarification regarding the deployment of speed limit cameras, stating that enforcement is currently operational on only two major highways, contrary to reports suggesting a wider implementation.
The clarification comes amid public controversy, with some motorists and residents alleging that the initiative is more of a revenue-generation strategy than a safety measure due to inadequate public awareness.
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with Huawei Technologies, recently introduced four new Intelligent Transport System (ITS) sites to monitor speed violations and enhance traffic management.
At the launch event, Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, explained that the newly deployed systems would work alongside the Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and other Traffic Management Solution technologies.
“The checkpoint sites are designed to detect overspeeding,” Osiyemi stated.
“One is located at Alapere, Ogudu Road, with a speed limit of 80 km/h, while the other is at Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, with a speed limit of 60 km/h.
He further emphasized that overspeeding remains one of the leading causes of road accidents, making such measures necessary.
Additionally, two e-police monitoring stations have been installed at:
Allen Avenue Junction
Nurudeen Olowopopo Road
These e-police sites detect various traffic infractions, including:
Running red lights
Non-compliance with lane discipline
Illegal U-turns
Reverse driving on highways
Osiyemi warned that violations would attract fines, with a N20,000 penalty for running a red light and N50,000 for exceeding the speed limit.
“Motorists who violate traffic laws will receive SMS notifications from the Vehicle Inspection Service department, detailing the nature of the violation and corresponding fines,” he explained.
“This system is not designed to be punitive but to encourage responsible driving behavior and reduce accidents.”
Despite the government’s assurances, some residents and motorists remain skeptical, arguing that the cameras may serve as a tool for excessive revenue collection rather than road safety.
Mr. Sola Alabi, a Lagos resident, stated:
“If cameras are deployed, they should capture all vehicles, including commercial buses. If certain groups are excluded, it weakens enforcement and raises safety concerns.”
Another motorist, Mrs. Grace Abiona, questioned the speed limits, saying:
“Why should a major road like the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway have a speed limit of 50 to 60 km/h, when the highway code allows 100 km/h? This suggests it’s about revenue, not safety.”
In response to the controversy, the Public Affairs Officer of the Ministry of Transport, Mrs. Bola Ogundeji, dismissed viral claims about widespread enforcement as false and misleading.
“The deployment and enforcement only apply to two major roads as a pilot scheme, before extending to other areas,” she clarified.
Ogundeji further revealed that some road signs indicating speed limits had been vandalized, making enforcement efforts more challenging.
She assured Lagosians that public sensitization on the system is ongoing, with continuous media engagements to educate motorists.
“The Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration remains committed to ensuring road safety,” she added.
“Residents are urged to adhere to traffic laws, as there is no cause for alarm.”
While enforcement is currently limited to two roads, the Ministry of Transport listed other potential speed camera locations where enforcement is yet to commence:
Ojota Bridge (Motorway) – 50 km/h
Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge – 50-60 km/h
Allen Avenue Junction – 50 km/h
Nurudeen Olowopopo Road – 60 km/h
Ikorodu Road (Various Locations) – 50-60 km/h
Oshodi-Apapa Expressway – 50-60 km/h
Epe Expressway – 80 km/h
Murtala Mohammed International Airport Road – 60 km/h
As public engagement continues, the government urges motorists to comply with traffic regulations to ensure safer roads for all.
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