The Lagos State Government has issued a 21 day ultimatum to motorcycle
(Okada) and tricycle riders to vacate the restricted routes or face the
full wrath of the law.
This was made known to newsmen by the Secretary to the Lagos State
Government, Mr. Tunji Bello after a consultative meeting with the
leadership of the various associations of both the motorcycle and tricycle
riders in the State.
At the meeting, the State Government frowned at the recalcitrant attitude
of the operators by flouting with impunity the stipulated procedures
guiding their operations.
The SSG told them that the State Government would not allow a return to
the recent past before the enforcement of the 2012 Road Traffic Law where
crime rate and road accidents caused by unruly motorcycle riders were
prevalent, he therefore directed them to call their members to order.
He stressed the fact that the State Government realizing their value and
contributions to the economy restricted them on 475 roads out of 9100 and
refused to outrightly ban the use of motorcycles for commercial
transportation like some other States, but warned that the operators
should not test the might of the State Government.
Bello further said that the Lagos State Government being a listening and
compassionate Government has directed a massive public enlightenment that
will precede the full enforcement of the restriction order to sensitize
the operators and the generality of Lagos residents on the need to conform
with the dictates of the Road Traffic Law.
The leadership of the motorcycle and tricycles operators thanked the State
Government for taking them into confidence, promised to pass the message
to their members and carry out their own enforcement before the State’s
deadline.
For the purpose of clarification, the guidelines for motorcycle and
tricycle operations in Lagos State are contained in Section 3 and
Regulation 16 Sub-Section 4, 5 and 6 of the Road Traffic Law which
restricted commercial motorcycles on 475 roads out of the 9100 road
network in the State, the wearing of standard crash helmet with full
protection for both rider and passenger, the carrying of only one
passenger, non-carriage of children and pregnant women, non-operation of
okada beyond 8.00pm in Victoria Island, IKoyi and Ikeja and 10.00pm in
other areas of the State, no riding on the kerb, median or road setbacks
or in a direction prohibited by law and respect for all traffic laws and
regulations.