6th February, 2025
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government has intensified its efforts to enhance road safety and traffic management with the introduction of additional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) sites across key locations.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made the announcement during a joint press briefing held on Thursday, 6th February 2025, at the Ministry of Transportation conference room.
Osiyemi emphasised that the new ITS sites would complement existing ANPR cameras and other Traffic Management Solution (TMS) devices, reinforcing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a smarter, safer, and more efficient Lagos.
He said the ITS integrates advanced technologies, including real-time monitoring systems, to optimise traffic flow and ensure better enforcement of road regulations.
According to the Commissioner, four additional ITS sites had been deployed, each serving a specific function.
Osiyemi disclosed that two sites have been designated as Checkpoint Sites for Speed Detection—one at Alapere, Ogudu Road, with a speed limit of 80km/h, and another at Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, with a speed limit of 60km/h, adding that these installations aimed to curb over-speeding, a major cause of road accidents.
He added that the other two sites function as E-Police Stations for Monitoring Traffic Violations at Allen Avenue Road Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road.
“These locations are equipped with high-definition cameras designed to detect infractions such as running red lights, improper lane usage, illegal U-turns, and reverse driving on highways,” he said.
The commissioner stated that enforcement of traffic laws via the ITS would commence immediately, saying motorists caught violating regulations would receive SMS notifications from the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), detailing the offence and the corresponding fine.
For over-speeding, he disclosed that offending motorists captured by the high-tech cameras would pay a fine of N50,000, while those who violated the red light would pay a fine of N20,000.
Osiyemi clarified that the system is not intended to be punitive but to encourage responsible driving habits, ultimately reducing road accidents and improving safety.
He further highlighted key benefits of the ITS, including enhanced road safety, reduced congestion through efficient traffic monitoring, data-driven decision-making for urban planning, and greater transparency in law enforcement by minimising human intervention.
The Commissioner urged all road users—private motorists, commercial drivers, and transport unions—to comply with the traffic laws, emphasising the importance of obeying speed limits, maintaining lane discipline, and avoiding dangerous manoeuvres.
“The goal is simple: to save lives, protect property, and create an orderly transportation environment in Lagos,” he stated.
Also speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Olatubosun Alake, emphasised Sanwo-Olu’s vision of transforming Lagos into an advanced, technology-driven city.
He highlighted the ITS as a crucial solution to traffic challenges caused by the state’s growing population.
“The ITS was introduced as a technology service years ago to enhance traffic management, ensuring order on the roads while driving economic progress,” Alake said. “We have implemented various systems, including the e-Police system, to monitor and enforce traffic regulations efficiently.”
According to Alake, the integration of technology into the transportation sector would not only improve road safety but also support the efforts of agencies like the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), making their work more efficient and data-driven.
“With this innovation, we can create a safer and more organised traffic environment. This is just the beginning of many transformative solutions to come, all aimed at benefiting the people and boosting economic activities,” he added.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa said the ITS is not designed for revenue generation but to ensure road safety and compliance with traffic regulations.
He stated that the system operates with precision, capturing speed violations through advanced cameras.
“When you violate the speed limit, the camera detects it, captures the offender’s face, and the footage is reviewed at the backend before a violation ticket is issued,” Musa explained.
He emphasised that the initiative is aimed at promoting responsible driving behaviour, reducing accidents, and improving overall traffic management in the state.
