Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has directed the police in the state to start the enforcement of the relevant section of the traffic law, which restricted the movement of trucks and other long vehicles to between 9pm and 6am in the state.
The governor also ordered the police to tackle street trading, robbery in traffic and other security challenges in the state.
The state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, on Tuesday said the directives were the outcome of the monthly Security Council Meeting at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, presided over by Ambode.
He said, “The law enforcement agencies in the state will intensify enforcement against street trading as well as ensure that the road traffic law is enforced to the letter.
“The law as it relates to restriction of movement of trailers and articulated vehicles between the hours of 6am to 9pm will be enforced in a manner that will not impede commercial activities in the state.
“We should, however, not forget that Section 2(1) of the law exempts trucks conveying petroleum products and passenger vehicles.
“We shall ensure that truck drivers comply with the extant law and also ensure that the law on street trading is enforced; but we shall be doing so with human face.”
He said apart from enforcement, the governor urged sensitisation and public enlightenment as a strategy to dissuade members of the public from patronising street traders.
“We will combine enforcement with enlightenment to make sure that the laws that have been enacted are obeyed. We have also stepped up enforcement on restriction of okada (commercial motorcycle) operation,” he added.
The CP stated that the meeting also discussed influx of elements being taken as Boko Haram members, with the purpose of finding a lasting solution.
He said strategies were being put in place to prevent armed groups from infiltrating the state.
He said, “It is important that we do not allow any form of armed groups to come into the state before reacting. This is why we have put in place proactive measures such as constant raids on dark spots and criminal hideouts, as well as random checks at entry points into the state.”
