Lagos Set To Enforce Use Of Footbridges

The Lagos State Government will soon begin the enforcement of pedestrian bridge usage by pedestrians, says Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Kayode Opeifa.

Opeifa lamented that the failure of Lagosians to use pedestrian bridges had contributed greatly to the traffic snarl experienced across the Lagos metropolis, adding that government must curb this indiscipline.

The commissioner, who toured Ikorodu Road, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, to monitor the traffic situation, said the unwillingness of pedestrians to use the footbridges was responsible for some of the traffic gridlock experienced in the state.

According to him, traffic builds up while motorists try to slow down for pedestrians to cross the highway in spite of the fact that pedestrian bridges are located at major bus stops to enable people cross in safety.

“Look at the main carriage highway and see how vehicles are moving slowly. The vehicles on service lane even move faster. You can see the traffic build up is common in places where we have major bus stops. Some of the pedestrians are those who want to take Okada.

“So, if that can reduce, the traffic situation will improve. The state government will ensure that more men of KAI, LASTMA and Task Force and other relevant agencies are on ground,” he stated.

He added that arrangements have been concluded to ease the traffic caused by Mile 12 traders.He said food-laden trucks have been told to come into the state one after the other, to allow for free flow of traffic in the axis, while noting that indiscipline on the part of Lagosians contributed to the traffic snarls.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has commenced the marking of 51 roads covering about 136.63 kilometres.

According to Opeifa, the road marking was necessary in order to guide motorists to be lane disciplined as well as provide the necessary information needed to enhance the efficient use of the carriage way thereby reducing accidents, injuries and deaths on the roads.

He said that the lane marking exercise would be carried out mostly at night between 10 pm and 5 am daily, adding that during this period, a particular section of the road may likely be closed off in order to ensure job effectiveness and timely completion.

Opeifa appealed to Lagosians to bear with the state government and cooperate with the road marking team in order to collectively ensure the safety of lives and property of Lagosians.

—Kazeem Ugbodaga