The Lagos State Government has announced the reintroduction of psychiatric evaluations for traffic offenders, particularly those caught driving against the flow of traffic, in a renewed effort to curb reckless driving and restore sanity to the roads.
EpeInsights reports that the Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, announced the decision during the official presentation of the communiqué from the Second Lagos Traffic Conference, which also commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
According to Mr. Giwa, the measure aligns with previous strategies aimed at instilling discipline among road users.
“For the mental health assessment of offenders, the agency should reintroduce psychiatric evaluation for those caught driving against traffic,” he said, emphasizing that discipline and deterrence are critical to achieving safer roads in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, General Manager of LASTMA, unveiled a 20-year masterplan to modernize traffic management in Lagos through technology and data.
He highlighted the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), including real-time monitoring tools and surveillance cameras across key locations like the Third Mainland Bridge and Allen Roundabout.
Mr. Bakare-Oki noted that the agency has been building a comprehensive traffic incident database since 2024, helping government make informed decisions.
He added that the ITS has already led to a significant drop in road accidents, particularly on previously problematic routes.
To improve service delivery, the plan includes international training for LASTMA officers and a renewed focus on their welfare.
This, officials believe, will not only raise morale but also align the agency’s operations with global best practices.
“This deliberate approach will allow us to meet the demands of a growing city like Lagos and ensure LASTMA is equipped to manage traffic efficiently and ethically,” Mr. Bakare-Oki said.
The Lagos Traffic Conference served as a strategic forum for stakeholders to review road safety policies, recommend reforms, and celebrate the achievements of LASTMA since its inception in 2000.
With the planned reforms and technological investments, Lagos State aims to create a safer, more disciplined, and data-driven traffic environment—while reasserting the moral and legal obligations of every road user.
Psychiatric Tests