The Lagos State government has launched a new initiative to curb reckless driving, with an automated system now monitoring speed limits and enforcing fines on offenders.
Motorists exceeding 80 km/h along the Alapere section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, or surpassing 60 km/h at Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, will face a fine of N50,000. The penalty will be enforced through the newly installed Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) cameras, which are designed to track violations in real time.
The state’s Commissioner for Transport, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, announced the development at a press briefing on Thursday, emphasizing that the new system aims to improve road safety and ensure better traffic management.
How the System Works
The Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) utilizes advanced monitoring technology, integrating real-time data collection, automated enforcement, and instant violation notifications.
“This innovative system allows for real-time monitoring and management of traffic conditions, enabling precise, efficient, and comprehensive control of transportation activities,” Osiyemi stated.
According to the Commissioner, the deployment of the ITS system includes two categories of monitoring sites:
- Checkpoint Sites for Speed Detection – These locations focus on identifying over-speeding drivers. The first checkpoint is situated at Alapere, Ogudu Road (80 km/h limit), while the second is at Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way (60 km/h limit).
- E-Police Sites for Traffic Violations – These are positioned at Allen Avenue Road Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road to detect offenses like running red lights, illegal U-turns, lane indiscipline, and reversing on highways.
“These e-Police sites will serve as virtual traffic enforcement officers, ensuring that drivers adhere to road regulations even when physical officers are not present,” Osiyemi explained.
Fines and Enforcement
Offenders will receive an SMS notification from the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), detailing the violation and the corresponding fine. Unlike traditional enforcement, which relies on traffic officers stopping vehicles, this system ensures automatic detection and immediate notification.
Osiyemi stressed that enforcement has already commenced, and there will be no grace period for violators.
“It is important to also note that enforcement will commence immediately,” he said.
A Life-Saving Measure, Not Just Punishment
While some motorists might see the fines as excessive, the Lagos State government insists that the primary goal is to reduce accidents and promote safer driving.
Osiyemi reiterated that over-speeding remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in Lagos.
“The goal is simple: to save lives, protect property, and create an orderly transportation environment,” he said.
With Lagos State struggling with high accident rates and frequent traffic violations, the introduction of AI-powered enforcement could mark a significant shift in ensuring compliance and making the roads safer for all.
