The Lagos State government through the Vehicle Inspection Service has sensitised articulated vehicles/truck owners to the need for safety, in a bid to ensure free vehicular movement in Lagos.
According to the State Government, the sensitisation became necessary due to the gridlock often resulting from the frequent breakdown of rickety vehicles/articulated trucks that ply Lagos roads daily, thereby constituting a danger to the people’s safety.
The government tasked vehicle owners to ensure their vehicles were in perfect condition before putting them on the road.
The Director, VIS, Akin-George Fashola, said at a stakeholders’ meeting to educate them on government’s policy on the movement of dry and wet cargoes within the state.
He said at the end of the meeting, it was jointly agreed by all parties that a period of six weeks be given to all stakeholders involved in haulage movement (dry/wet cargo) to revalidate their documentation and put their vehicles in proper working conditions, failure of which such vehicles would be impounded by the authorities.
Fashola said the VIS would henceforth enforce the state government’s zero tolerance for rickety trucks/articulated vehicles for safety reasons.
He said, “All rickety trucks/articulated vehicles should no longer be seen on Lagos roads; all drivers of articulated vehicles should ensure they drive with the required Class G driver’s license; there should be adequate publicity on radio, television and newspapers on government directives to sensitise their members.
“They (stakeholders) also agreed that all articulated vehicles that developed mechanical problems should not be allowed to load or leave their loading points.
“There should be a collaboration with haulage companies that have computerised testing facilities that meet global standards to enhance compliance and safety. There should be continuous training and retraining of drivers, among others.”
