Lagos launches mobile courts to try traffic offenders

 Yesterday, the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade, launched mobile courts to  try traffic offenders and convict them when necessary. 

Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Olufunmilayo Atilade (midle) launching the mobile courts

 
Atilade assured that the end is here for “the era of recklessness and impunity on our public roads and highways.”
Recalled that few weeks ago, the Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Chris Olakpe has disclosed that the state government was considering setting up a special mobile court to punish traffic offenders and strengthen traffic regulation in the state.

Atilade lamented that rude motorists commits manslaughters daily on the roads, killing innocent citizens were hardly punished. She cited example of the death of a 25-year-old British Nigerian graduate, Doyin Fagbenro, who was killed by a reckless commercial bus driver about three weeks ago in Lekki-Ajah area of Lagos.
Atilade said: “Those who chose to make life difficult for other people, especially on our roads, should have a re-think, as they would henceforth be held accountable for their deeds.
“Flagrant disregard or violation of traffic rules with impunity is unacceptable and as such, must be discouraged and condemned by all.
“You see them break traffic rules at will and cause needless traffic snag on our roads. They also, most often, drove against traffic and beat the traffic lights, destroy traffic furniture and infrastructure, drive across the road median and through their lawlessness and irresponsible actions, daily inflict pains, grieve and sorrow on fellow citizens.
“Businesses are impeded, as several productive hours are unnecessarily lost in traffic, mostly due to acts of indiscipline by few recalcitrant and obstinate drivers and road users, who are laws unto themselves. As we speak, many have been sent to early graves, while several others are either maimed or lying critically ill in the hospital.
“This must not be allowed to continue. Let it be known to all that the era of recklessness and impunity on our public roads and highways in Lagos State is gone.”
Meanwhile Olakpe had said the government was planning to recruit, at least 1,300 persons into the traffic management agency.  Olakpe said: “We are asking the government to establish a mobile court to try erring drivers and ensure that they bear the consequence of driving against traffic or causing obstruction or using the BRT lanes.”