Governor Ambode:

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday said that the state’s experience and success with Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is  a sign that state police would succeed.

Amobode spoke at the 6th Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC)Annual Lecture in Abuja with the theme“ `State Road Traffic Management Efforts: the LASTMA’s Experience’’.

He said , LASTMA was established as a traffic management agency in the state to curb traffic issues and carry out the required enforcement responsibilities..

He said prior to the new regime of traffic management in the state, an estimated loss of N42 billion worth of man-hour was recorded in Lagos on annual basis as a result of chaotic traffic situations.

He said this was as a result of traffic congestion, hectic gridlock or hazardous situations exerting enormous pressure on available roads networks.

“With the establishment of LASTMA came the exertion of traffic control, monitoring and enforcement of traffic rules and regulations, traffic-related public education and enlightenment and conduct of research and statistics on roads.

“Road furnishing, installation and maintenance; education of drivers, motorist and the general public on proper use of the highways and control and management of traffic operations state-wide was introduced among others.

“ Our LASTMA experience in Lagos has demonstrated one thing, the need to extend it to the creation of State Police

“What Lagos State has demonstrated with LASTMA is that we should have no fear if the police is locally domesticated. We will only promote efficient enforcement machinery

Ambode said that LASTMA, though established as a traffic management agency had done well in curbing the menace of reckless drivers and punishment for traffic offenders.

He called on states to leverage the Lagos LASTMA experience for sustainable road safety development in the country but to do so without prejudice.