The Lagos State Government has ordered mandatory psychiatric evaluation for 18 motorists apprehended for driving against traffic (one-way), as part of an intensified crackdown on traffic violations across the state.
The directive, issued to the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), aims to restore discipline, enhance road safety, and curb the rising menace of unlawful driving behavior in the state.
This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday by the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, and signed by Taofiq Adebayo, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department at LASTMA.
“This directive is part of a multi-faceted approach to restore road discipline, ensure public safety, and maintain order on Lagos roads,” said Bakare-Oki. “It is a preventive and restorative step, not just punitive.”
The Lagos government has finalized prosecutorial steps for the immediate arraignment of the 18 offenders, who were recently caught deliberately violating the traffic law by driving one-way. As part of the legal process, each motorist will undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to determine their cognitive fitness and behavioral state.
According to Bakare-Oki, this step aligns with global best practices in traffic psychology, where behavioral assessments are used to determine if drivers pose a danger to public safety.
“The enforcement of psychiatric assessment is not intended to stigmatise or punish,” he added. “It is a necessary intervention designed to protect the motoring public from individuals who display reckless disregard for life and lawful order.”
The initiative comes despite ongoing public awareness campaigns by LASTMA, which have been met with persistent disregard for traffic rules by some motorists. These violations, according to LASTMA, have led to increased fatal road accidents, traffic congestion, and infrastructure degradation.
“The state government remains resolute in ending this menace,” Bakare-Oki emphasized. “Our goal is to ensure that Lagos roads are safe, disciplined, and efficient.”
The government’s message is clear: road users must adhere to traffic rules or face serious legal and corrective measures. LASTMA reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, public education, and maintaining road infrastructure harmony.
Lagos residents and road users have been strongly urged to obey traffic regulations, avoid reckless behaviors, and contribute to a safe transportation environment.
“All residents are advised to comply with traffic directives, embrace lawful conduct, and support efforts to create a sane Lagos,” the statement concluded.
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