OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, in collaboration with Huawei Technologies, has deployed four new Intelligent Transport System (ITS) sites across four locations in the state to improve traffic management and road safety.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced this during a press briefing on Thursday, stating that the new installations will complement the existing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and other Traffic Management Solution (TMS) devices.
According to him, the newly deployed ITS sites are to presently monitor and regulate High Speed, Traffic Violations at Alapere where the speed limit is pegged at 80km/h speed limit and Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way which is limited to 60km/h.
"E- Police sites are installed at Allen Avenue Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo road, equipped with high definition cameras to monitor violations such as running red lights, lane indiscipline, illegal U-turns and reverse driving.
These checkpoint sites are strategically located to detect and deter cases of over-speeding, which remains one of the leading causes of road accidents." He stressed.
Osiyemi revealed that through these high-definition cameras and real-time monitoring systems, the e-Police sites will serve as virtual traffic enforcement officers, ensuring that drivers adhere to road regulations, even when physical officers are not present, saying, "it is important to also 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."
He explained that though the system is not designed to be punitive but to encourage responsible driving behaviour and reduce the rate of accidents on the roads, "however, motorists who overspeed will be fined N50,000, while red light offenders will be fined N20,000." He asserts.
Osiyemi however maintained that the goal is simply to save lives, protect property, and create an orderly transportation environment.
Some of the Benefits of ITS as highlighted by the Transport Commissioner include; 'Improved Road Safety, by discouraging reckless driving behaviours, efficient Traffic Flow, reducing congestion through better monitoring and management.
Adding, it will also help in making Data-Driven Decisions by government agencies who can plan more effectively based on real-time traffic data.
The honourable Commissioner also pointed out that it will minimize human interference and reduce the potential for disputes while enhancing fairness in enforcement.
Osiyemi on a final note advised all road users, including private motorists, commercial drivers, and transport unions 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 manoeuvres 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.
Mr. Olawale Musa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, who emphasized that the benefits of the initiative outweighs any punitive measure or consideration of the fines.
Representatives from Huawei Technologies and key Directors from the Ministry were present at the meeting.
No comments:
Post a Comment