The Lagos State government has announced plans to reinstate psychiatric assessments for traffic offenders.

Sola Giwa, the special adviser to the governor on transportation, disclosed this during the official presentation of the communiqué from the second Lagos Traffic Conference on Wednesday.

The conference also marked the 25th anniversary of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

Mr Giwa said the decision followed strategic discussions and key recommendations to enhance traffic management and road safety across Lagos.

“For the mental health assessment of offenders, the agency should reintroduce psychiatric evaluation for those caught driving against traffic,” Mr Giwa said.

He explained that the measure aligns with previous road safety strategies to instil discipline and deter errant road users. 

Mr Giwa also stated that LASTMA officers would undergo international training to meet global traffic management standards.

Olalekan Bakare-Oki, LASTMA general manager, spoke about a 20-year blueprint for a technology-driven traffic system in Lagos. 

Mr Bakare-Oki confirmed the agency was progressing well in its vision for improved traffic regulation.

He said the agency began compiling detailed traffic incident data last year, including crashes and other road events across Lagos.

“This deliberate approach gives us a credible database that allows the government to plan better and make informed decisions. “

The blueprint also includes a focus on improving LASTMA officers’ welfare to enhance performance and service delivery.

He highlighted Lagos State’s increased use of Information Technology Systems (ITS), as seen around the Allen Roundabout and other areas.

“The ITS tools monitor, control, and enforce traffic behaviour in real time,” he said. 

He said surveillance cameras had been installed on the Third Mainland Bridge and around Alapere to promote speed control and road safety.

Mr Bakare-Oki added that the camera installations followed incidents of road rage after the rehabilitation of the bridge.

“Since deploying the cameras, road crashes on that stretch have declined,” he said.

He assured that residents would soon witness major improvements in LASTMA’s operations.

(NAN)