The Lagos State Government has recently strengthened its efforts to improve road safety and traffic management by introducing additional Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) sites at key locations.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, made the announcement during a joint press briefing on Thursday, 6th February 2025, at the Ministry of Transportation conference room. Osiyemi highlighted that the new ITS sites would complement the existing Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and other Traffic Management Solution (TMS) devices, further supporting Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a smarter, safer, and more efficient Lagos.
He explained that the ITS integrates advanced technologies, including real-time monitoring systems, to optimize traffic flow and enforce road regulations more effectively. According to the Commissioner, four new ITS sites have been deployed, each serving a specific function.
Two of these sites have been designated as Checkpoint Sites for Speed Detection; one located at Alapere, Ogudu Road, with a speed limit of 80km/h, and the other at Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, with a speed limit of 60km/h. These installations aim to combat over-speeding, a leading cause of road accidents.
The remaining two sites function as E-Police Stations for monitoring traffic violations at Allen Avenue Road Junction and Nurudeen Olowopopo Road.
Osiyemi noted that these sites are equipped with high-definition cameras designed to detect infractions such as running red lights, improper lane usage, illegal U-turns, and reverse driving on highways.
The commissioner stated that enforcement of traffic laws via the ITS would begin immediately. Motorists caught violating regulations will receive SMS notifications from the Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS), detailing the offence and corresponding fines. Over-speeding offenders will face a fine of N50,000, while those running red lights will incur a N20,000 fine.
Osiyemi emphasized that the system’s purpose is not punitive but to promote responsible driving habits, thereby reducing road accidents and enhancing safety. He called on all road users including private motorists, commercial drivers, and transport unions to comply with traffic laws, stressing the importance of adhering to speed limits, maintaining lane discipline, and avoiding dangerous manoeuvres.
“The goal is simple: to save lives, protect property, and create an orderly transportation environment in Lagos,” Osiyemi stated.
Also speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science & Technology, Olatubosun Alake, reinforced Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision of transforming Lagos into a technology-driven city. He highlighted the ITS as a vital solution to traffic challenges caused by the state’s growing population.
“The ITS was introduced as a technology service years ago to enhance traffic management, ensuring order on the roads while driving economic progress,” Alake said. “We have implemented various systems, including the e-Police system, to monitor and enforce traffic regulations efficiently.”
Alake noted that integrating technology into the transportation sector would not only improve road safety but also support agencies like the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), making their work more efficient and data-driven.
“With this innovation, we can create a safer and more organized traffic environment. This is just the beginning of many transformative solutions to come, all aimed at benefiting the people and boosting economic activities,” he added.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Olawale Musa, clarified that the ITS is not intended to generate revenue but to ensure road safety and compliance with traffic regulations. He explained that the system operates with precision, capturing speed violations via advanced cameras.
“When you violate the speed limit, the camera detects it, captures the offender’s face, and the footage is reviewed at the backend before a violation ticket is issued,” Musa said.
He emphasized that the initiative aims to foster responsible driving behavior, reduce accidents, and improve traffic management across the state.