By CHIAZO OGBOLU

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has deployed 1,700 staff for its 24-hour daily traffic monitoring initiative tagged ‘Operation Ember Months Stability’.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki said that the staff were deployed to cover the five divisions of the state.

“About seven weeks ago, the agency started 24-hour traffic management across the five division of the state, concentrating on major routes where vehicular movement are always on the increase.

“Recently, we equally deployed over 850 staff to complement and beef up on what we have on ground around Ikoyi, Victoria Island and Lekki Ajah axis.

“Within these three axis, we have 1,700 staff.

“They maintain three shifts, with the morning shift starting from 6.00 a.m. and closing by 2.00 p.m. while the PM belt resumes by 2.00 p.m. and closes by 10.00 p.m.,” he said.

He disclosed that the night shift would start at 9.00 p.m. and end at 6.00 a.m. the following day.

“We mobilised 800 traffic equipment ranging from channeliser, barriers, traffic control barthing light, reflective jackets and others,” he said.

He said that a lot had been achieved since the inception of the 24-hour daily traffic monitoring, including quick and early response to traffic incidents.

“If anything happens at mid-night or early hours of the morning, 24-hour daily traffic management gives us the privilege to remove all these infractions promptly.

“We equally noticed that we were able to improve on travel time for Lagos residents.”

He disclosed that the LASTMA Rescue and Emergency Department also intensified efforts on major routes.

According to him, the vehicle pattern in Lagos shows that in the morning, there is a high vehicular density coming from the mainland to connect the island.

“Our Rescue and Emergency Unit always ensures that anytime from 11.00 p.m. till 5.00 a.m., it will comb major traffic point to remove all distractions,” he said. (NAN)