LAGOS – Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) lane indiscipline is a deliberate disobedience to the rules undergirding the creation of the BRT lanes, which are strictly dedicated lanes created for mass transportation of commuters in urban areas associated with heavy snarls like Lagos.
Violation of those lanes by unauthorized traffic and vehicles is usually a case of indiscipline and deliberately done rather than an act of ignorance as it is found in Lagos, when motorists abandon their lane to drive on the BRT lane deliberately. This is often the case, during rush hours, weekends, festive periods, Public holidays and in the night.
The Lagos State Government has in a bid to stem this flagrant abuse of the lanes issued a statement last week admonishing all motorists, both private and commercial, to desist forthwith from the continued infringement on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes across the State.
This directive follows the impoundment of over 488 vehicles by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) for breaching BRT lane regulations between January and August 2024. All offenders have been charged to the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecution.
Particular attention is drawn to motorists traversing the Abule-Egba BRT corridor. They are strongly urged to cease further contraventions, as the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) has recently completed extensive road rehabilitation from Abule-Egba to Iyana-Ipaja, especially near ‘Super Ile-Epo’ and ‘Katangura Market.’ The road’s improved condition renders the unlawful use of BRT lanes both redundant and inexcusable.
The government reiterates that motorists plying routes from Abule-Egba through Iyana-Ipaja, Dopemu, and Oshodi must strictly adhere to designated lanes. Any individual found encroaching upon the BRT lanes will be duly prosecuted by the Lagos State Mobile Court.
While the Lagos State Government remains resolute in its mission to provide cutting-edge infrastructure for the benefit of all citizens, such efforts require the active cooperation of road users. Motorists are thus enjoined to exhibit discipline and patience, fostering a safer and more efficient traffic environment.
It is important to note that the 488 vehicles were apprehended by LASTMA operatives at various strategic locations, including Ikorodu, Maryland, Anthony, Apongbon, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ojuelegba, and Oyingbo.
Segun Odejide, Traffic Signage Engineer, in a telephone conversation with Daily Independent, said “Nigerians are very lawless and impatient. Unfortunately, instead of doing the right thing, they often think that security agencies are infringing on their freedom. Our major challenges are security agents who drive on the BRT lane too, especially during traffic hold-up. And any attempt to bring them to order is always resisted,’’ he said.
He stressed that Nigerians lack discipline, unlike what obtains in other countries. An average Nigerian Driver, according to him is a tout, “they break laws at will. That is why a lot of them are involved in lane indiscipline without minding the consequences. Most importantly, security agents are a major threat to sanity on the road. They believe they have the right to break traffic rules.”
A commercial bus driver at Abule Egba to Oshodi route, who simply identified himself as Frank said, “Nigerians have a very bad driving culture. I often marvel at how a lot of us drive. We drive like unintelligent people. It is a very serious matter that LASTMA should tackle very well. There should be more sensitisation. Unfortunately, those who make the laws have no respect for them. Something needs to be done. LASTMA officers are doing a good job, no doubt, but they need to double their efforts in this matter.’’
Another commercial driver, Taju Arisekola said, “Let me tell you, many of us don’t make use of our brains while driving. We don’t think properly, and we take a lot of things for granted, including issues of security. Also, many of the passengers are always in a hurry. To make matters worse, such people even drive at unwarranted speeds. And with the advent of modern vehicles that accelerate up to 60 kilometres per hour within seconds, the situation becomes more dangerous. We have terrible habits in this country.’’
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