The Lagos State Government has directed the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority to ensure that 18 motorists arrested for driving against the traffic flow undergo a mandatory psychiatric evaluation.
The spokesperson for the agency, Taofeek Adebayo, made this known in a statement on Sunday.
According to him, the directive is part of a multi-faceted approach to restore road discipline, ensure public safety, and maintain order on Lagos roads.
He added that the state government viewed the measure as a preventive and restorative step, rather than a punitive one, aimed at rehabilitating errant drivers and deterring potential violators.
“LASTMA has finalised prosecutorial frameworks for the immediate arraignment of 18 vehicle owners recently apprehended for wilfully driving against the traffic flow. As part of their prosecution, each offender will be required to undergo a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to assess their cognitive fitness and behavioural disposition,” he stated.
In the statement, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, explained that the initiative reflects global best practices in advanced traffic psychology and behavioural enforcement.
“The enforcement of psychiatric assessments is not intended to stigmatise or punish. Rather, it is a necessary intervention designed to protect the general motoring public from individuals who exhibit reckless disregard for human life and lawful order,” he stated.
The statement also noted that despite ongoing public enlightenment campaigns and education efforts, a significant number of road users continue to disregard traffic laws, contributing to fatal collisions, congestion, and infrastructural degradation.
While also noting that the agency was resolute in its commitment to ending this menace and ensuring that traffic laws are respected, the statement added that the deployment of psychiatric testing serves as both a corrective instrument and a deterrent to those who may be tempted to emulate such hazardous behaviour.
The statement further quoted the LASTMA boss as saying, “This measure is more than just a traffic enforcement initiative. It is a moral and civic imperative, reflecting the Lagos State Government’s vision to promote responsible motoring, safeguard human life, and maintain order on our roads.”
“LASTMA reaffirms its dedication to the rule of law, public enlightenment, and sustained infrastructural harmony. All residents and road users are strongly advised to comply with traffic directives, embrace lawful conduct, and contribute to the creation of a safe, efficient, and sane Lagos,” the statement added.
Credit: punchng.com
