LASTMA vows tough measures as crashes claim six

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority says it will intensify the use of stricter measures on traffic violators because of the recurring truck accidents that have claimed no fewer than six lives in different parts of the state in one week.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in an interview with PUNCH Metro on Wednesday.

PUNCH Metro recalled that a series of accidents in some parts of Lagos State have left no fewer than six persons dead in one week, according to multiple statements by LASTMA and Lagos State Emergency Management Agency.

On Tuesday, a yet-to-be-identified pedestrian was crushed to death after a truck suffered a brake failure in the Iyana Ishashi area of Lagos State.

Earlier on Monday, a tragic collision involving a J5 Ford bus with number plate FKJ 724 YC and a Mercedes truck at Ilubirin, inward Sura, along the Third Mainland Bridge claimed one life and left four others with injuries.

An accident that occurred in the Odongunyan area of Ikorodu on Sunday left three persons dead after a truck rammed into shops in the area.

Last Saturday, some hoodlums set ablaze a vehicle after it killed a pedestrian in an accident that occurred along the Onipanu area of the state by a speeding driver.

Reacting to an enquiry by our correspondent, Bakare-Oki noted that the agency had not relented in ensuring the safety of road users.

He attributed most of the crashes to speeding, brake failure and non-adherence to traffic rules among others.

Bakare-Oki continued, “It has been a continuous exercise. Whenever any of these trucks are involved in road crashes, we will ensure that before such a vehicle is released, they go through the normal rudiments. This means after paying the statutory fine of LASTMA, they still have to go to the VIS to certify that their vehicle is roadworthy.

“In the case where such a vehicle is found wanting, we will not release it until it meets safety standards.

He emphasised the agency’s commitment to fostering effective traffic management through continuous awareness and advocacy.

“The ember-month safety campaign started about seven weeks ago and we have been able to visit many haulage companies. We also spoke with the tanker drivers union and other truckers on the need to always make sure that their vehicles are always roadworthy at all times,” Bakare-Oki concluded.