Yemisi Izuora
The Lagos State Government has said it would pull down unapproved street gates in communities to ease traffic.
This was contained in a statement on Sunday, December 6, by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, titled ‘LASG issues 7-day removal notice to communities with unapproved street gates’.
The Commissioner explained that the gates and structures installed without prior approval from the Ministry of Transportation contravened the provisions of the Lagos State Traffic Laws and Regulations.
Oladeinde stressed that the ministry, in conjunction with Local Government and Community Affairs, has the regulatory authority on the installation of gates towards enhancing traffic management on the inner roads while protecting the lives as well as property of the affected communities.
The statement stated, “In line with its policy and regulations on Traffic Management geared towards improving the free flow of traffic across the metropolis, the Lagos State Government has issued a seven-day removal notice to communities with unapproved street gates in the State, with a directive to either leave such gates open between 5 a.m and midnight or have them dismantled.
“During the recent inspection exercise conducted by the officials of the Ministry of Transportation; it was discovered that some communities have sited gates on some inner roads to avoid vehicular movement on their streets; and this unruly act has contributed to the heavy traffic congestion currently being experienced on our roads on daily basis.
“All street gates across the State be opened between 5 am to 12 midnight. The gates must be manned by security personnel engaged by the community or residents’ association; and must be opened for emergency services such as police; ambulance; as well as fire services at any time.”
He explained that the Special Committee set up by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation on the demolition of gated streets has begun enforcement exercise on the removal of gates in locations that failed to comply with the government’s directive on ‘Gated Streets’ regulation.
Oladeinde, therefore, urged communities with Government approval for the installation of gates; on their streets to come forward with their documents for onward review and also necessary approvals; failure of which the Special Committee would have to remove such street gates.