Ambode finally bans VIO from Lagos roads, restricts FRSC (Photos)

Lagos State’s Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has finally asked Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) to permanently desist from operating on Lagos roads.

He has also instructed the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to stay on the fringes and highways and not on the main streets of the state.

The governor was recently quoted to have sacked VIO’s from Lagos roads, but the news was later debunked by the state Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi, who said that officers of the VIO were only on training and not banned.

But speaking on Tuesday while commissioning the Pedestrian Bridges, Laybys and Slip Road at Ojodu Berger, the governor announced that he has asked them to stay off the roads permanently.

The governor’s position may have brought to rest issues concerning the absence of VIOs on Lagos roads.

Ambode explained that the decisions were in line with his administration’s resolution to ensure free flow of traffic across the state, adding that VIOs and FRSCs official’s activities were contributing to traffic congestion on Lagos roads.

He said, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to reiterate that Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) have been asked to stay off our roads permanently.

“We also advice the Federal Road Safety Corps to stay on the fringes and highways and not on the main streets of Lagos. It has become evident that these agencies contribute to the traffic challenges on our roads.”

Alternatively, Ambode said that the state government would employ technology to track and monitor vehicle registration and MOT certifications and de-emphasise impounding of vehicles on the roads.

Read also: VIOs are on training, not banned from Lagos roads –State govt

Speaking on the interventions in Ojodu Berger, Governor Ambode said his administration at inception, identified the axis as one of the major traffic flash-points that required urgent attention, adding that the decision was informed by the strategic importance of this axis being a major gateway into the State.

“What we set out to achieve with this project was to ensure smooth flow of traffic along the express, safeguard the lives of our people who had to run across the express and project the image of a truly global city to our visitors. Today, we are delighted that we have not only succeeded in transforming the landscape of this axis but with the slip road, lay bys and pedestrian bridge, we have given a new and pleasant experience to all entering and exiting our state.

“This project is the product of our innovative team of engineers, architects and town planners who have worked hard to create an innovative solution to tackle the challenges of this axis. I say a big thank you to the staff of the Lagos State Ministry of Works and the contractors – CCECC Nigeria Limited for a job well done,” he said.

 

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