Lagos, one of Africa’s fastest-growing megacities, is notorious for heavy traffic congestion and road safety challenges. Introducing e-police and speed limit cameras is a critical step toward improving road safety, reducing accidents, and enforcing traffic laws more effectively.

The Lagos State Government has announced plans to install 3,000 e-police and speed limit cameras across the state to enhance traffic law enforcement and improve road safety. The Director of the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), Engr. Akin-George Fashola disclosed this on March 25 during a discussion on Lagos Transport Trends and Perspectives, a program sponsored by the State’s Ministry of Transportation on Traffic Radio 96.1 FM.

According to Engr. Fashola, speed limit cameras have already been installed at key locations such as Alapere-Ogudu Road, where the speed limit is 80km/h inbound Alausa and 60km/h inbound Iyana Oworo, and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, which has a 60km/h limit. Meanwhile, e-police cameras are operational at Allen Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road in Ikeja to monitor red light violations and other infractions.

The penalty for violating speed limits has been set at ₦50,000 ($32.5), though offenders who believe they were wrongly fined can contest the charge by providing proof. Engr. Fashola clarified that the initiative applies to all road users, including commercial vehicle operators.

In Q3 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics reported that speeding was responsible for 56% of road accidents in Nigeria, making it the leading cause of traffic fatalities. The high rate of accidents caused by speeding underscores the urgent need for stricter traffic enforcement measures. By leveraging technology to monitor and penalize traffic violations, authorities can enhance road safety, reduce fatalities, and promote compliance with speed limits.

Hikmatu Bilali