By CHIAZO OGBOLU

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to install 3,000 smart cameras across the state to enhance road safety and traffic management.

Mr Akin-George Fashola, Director of the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), disclosed this during a radio programme monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

Fashola stated that the cameras would monitor speed limits and serve as an electronic policing (e-policing) tool for the government.

He explained that the initiative was part of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) introduced by the state government to improve the monitoring, management, and enforcement of road traffic laws.

?This year, the VIS will focus more on enforcing speed limits in Lagos.

?It?s not a new initiative, but we need to be more rigorous in implementation.

?We must slow people down to reduce the high rate of accidents in the state,? he said.

He further revealed that, as part of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu?s vision for better traffic management, smart cameras had already been installed in key locations such as Alapere, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, and Allen Junction.

?The speed limit for Alapere is 80 km/h inward Alausa and 60 km/h outward toward Oworonshoki due to pedestrian traffic and the nature of the expressway.

?We also considered the petrol stations along the expressway to prevent collisions with fuel tankers.

?On Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, the speed limit is set at 60 km/h because it is a densely populated area where people cross the road indiscriminately.

?At Allen Junction, the cameras are not focused on speed limits but rather on detecting violations such as running red lights and failing to stop at designated areas.

?This is part of our e-policing strategy, saying, ?motorists exceeding speed limits will be sanctioned, with a fine of N50,000 for violations.

?Drivers who violate traffic laws, as detected by the ITS, will receive SMS notifications from the VIS detailing the nature of the violation and the corresponding fines.?

He added that motorists could contest fines if they had solid evidence, but the government would also provide technology-based evidence to support enforcement actions.

Fashola also highlighted how technology had improved VIS services, including the introduction of online roadworthiness certification for pre-existing vehicle owners.

?If you already have a roadworthiness certificate, you can renew it online upon expiration.

?On the platform, you can book an appointment, make payments, and schedule an inspection at your convenience.

?Additionally, the VIS has introduced automatic number plate acquisition and auto verification to maintain accurate vehicle history records.

?For commercial vehicles, the VIS is collaborating with park chairmen to conduct inspections directly at parks and garages,? he said.

Fashola encouraged motorists to utilise any of the 45 VIS centers across Lagos State to ensure their vehicles remained roadworthy. (NAN)

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