Lagos stops on-the-spot arrest of traffic offenders

The Lagos State government yesterday directed officials of the State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to henceforth, book traffic offenders instead of arresting them on the spot.
The new policy, Daily Trust learnt, is to ensure free flow of traffic while offenders are given a grace period for payment of fines and  could be apprehended from their homes through information on their motor vehicle database.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu, gave the directive to LASTMA officials while briefing them on government’s new policy thrust in the transportation sector.
He said while government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the traffic managers, more emphasis should be placed on flawless flow of traffic.
“That is the minimum we owe the people of the state,” he said, adding that LASTMA should synergise with other security agencies to ensure enforcement of the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012. 
Whenu directed LASTMA officials to consider alternative traffic management methods rather than physical arrest.
“Since LASTMA officials are a reflection of the state government, they should ensure that their activities add value to the government’s covenant with Lagos residents to make life easier for them,” he said.
He however implored residents to reciprocate the government’s gesture by obeying traffic laws and regulations.