Traffic Management

Introduction

This short paper aims to provide the reader with solution option to the chaos and cost of illegal parking as well as other road traffic offences in the state, This solution remains applicable to all other States including federal agencies.

Different attempts by numerous administration have been attempted to resolve, mainly the issues of street parking within the state, but continues to be one of the thorniest issues affecting the economy and the environment.

Lagos State being a coastal area, surrounded by bodies of water, land remains a goldmine. Hence, anyone that has a space wants to maximize its benefits to the maximum. Economically, this has its good sides if addressed properly, especially for the landowners. However, we are mostly witnessing the negative effects.

Years ago, every modern residential building used to have either garage or ample parking space for visitors and ply area or recreation areas for the residents. Offices/ business organizations were also situated in such a way that customers/clients parking needs are catered for.

However, what do we have today? We have a situation where residents park on either sides of the road. While some property owners or developers do not even have enough parking spaces on their building plan, some converted areas marked for parking to rows of shops with total disregard for town planning. Presently, new estates are springing up across the state without addressing the same issue, while developers are pulling down old houses daily at key locations in the State. In most Business Districts, skyscrapers are coming up without adequate or no car parks.

This unwholesome habit results in the negative to the economy and welfare of citizens. A recent study conducted by the Lagos State Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, has shown that a major cause of traffic jam in the metropolis is street parking. The study further revealed that no fewer than 10 vehicles vied for parking spaces every 10 seconds at every street in the state.

It is, thus, with a view to addressing the menace that the Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration established the Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) by an Act of the Lagos House of Assembly in 2019, with a major goal of promoting parking policies in the state in line with international standards practice.

The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has solicited support of all citizens in its quest to stop all forms of illegal parking that impedes on free flow of traffic and in line with Gov Babajide Sanwo Olu’s first pillar of the THEME’S Agenda of which Traffic Management and Transportation is key.

The constant inflow of people and vehicles into the state means, longer and more sustainable solutions will be required, in order to make the state a 21st century running economy for its residents in the short and long term.

1. Asides the solution proposed in this paper, other measures to address the imbalance between parking demand and parking supply has to be addressed,

Un-regularised parking and levies by different bodies also addressed.

Training and enforcement

The government (LASPA) is already addressing some of this issues by On and Off street parking supplies, setback options, registration of existing private parks operators to maximise urban public spaces in finding lasting solutions to parking induced traffic, more on this later..

But one of the enforcement methods our solution aims to build on is, not only for illegal parking of vehicles or obstruction of traffic, but applied to all traffic offences in general. That is the capture on video and putting a branded sticker on the windshield of the car to inform the owner/driver of such cars about their offence and invitation for trial at the Special Offences Mobile Court or pay the required fine within a specified period. [2]

Solution

NETWORKED MOBILE PCN CAPTURE AND MANAGEMENT

Asides illegally parked vehicles, there are a range of different traffic offences that also fall within the scope of our proposed solution and before delving into the proposed solution, there are certain issues, not limited to, listed below, that also need to be addressed:

1. Too many unauthorised levy collectors

2. Corruption amongst sanctioned staff that have the authority to enforce offences, losing the state revenue

3. Amount of offences that otherwise can generate additional revenue to the state are not being enforced, monitored etc

4. Limited parking spaces within the state.

5. Commercial and mass private building permits, without adequate parking.

So, any solution, asides issuing penalty notices or tickets, will also need to factor how to mitigate the issues listed above. Please also see the rich picture below, which provides a birds eye view of the proposed solution.

Accuracy, speed and evidence are all crucial factors for the efficient issue and enforcement of PCNs (Parking charge notices). We know that hand written PCN's are more prone to wastage, corruption, human inaccuracies or eligible hand writing and often unnecessarily clog up appeals systems.

Hence, our solution proposes 2 automated options,

Option 1

A dedicated PCN assigned to all sanctioned staff with the ability:

To capture and record offences in a controlled manner, collecting and collating incontestable photographic evidence, accurate vehicle details and offence details. Information collected is then electronically delivered to the back office for processing within minutes of issuing a ticket using the latest software and communication technology. Our system provides unprecedented functionality.

The issuing of a parking permit for would-be car owners wanting to park in areas marked or designated for parking.

The ability for the device to check number plates for any infraction and call tow-vehicles for vehicle removal.

Whichever is the case, the device will be incorporated with a camera/video recorder, but currently not for live streaming, similar to the body-cams worn by the police in the US. In essence, this can be incorporated into the PCN, so each PCN cannot only take pictures, but can now also, continually stream live footage, like the traffic CCTVs around the state. This could be the PCNs handed to LASTMA officers, not only to monitor their activities, reduce corruptions, increase state coffers etc. the benefits are endless.

Option 2

Like above, but 2 separate devices, the PCN is separate from the body cam to stream live footage. So we have 2 different devices all networked to the back end. How we then configure the body cams to provide some functions of the traffic CCTVs, if required, to also act as another deterrent to offences will add even more value.

Back-End Interfaces

Integration with other agencies crucial to revenue and most importantly enforcement in the log term,

For example, integration with all state motoring agencies, such as the MOT, vehicle licensing, driving licensing and even insurance companies, registered Car dealers who purchase vehicles etc, tp ensure that checks can be performed on the vehicle for any outstanding penalties for payment.

There are laws which may need to be communicated on the PCNs for penalties for non-payment, accumulation of penalties etc, so offenders are aware, non-ignorance, is not an excuse.

The number of integrated agencies, will be addressed with key government stakeholders, to ensure that that certain state services are not easy to utilise for offenders but also closing the drag-net, in capturing offenders and outstanding revenue, which currently is not being captured.

Other Add-ons

In addition to LASPA regulations, some regulations like the set-backs for properties, which drew some criticism, should be looked at again if not in force, but especially for buildings without adequate parking arrangements in the first instance and going-forward, permits for such buildings need to cater for parking as a priority.

Commendable are efforts already in place or on-going by LASPA, some of which are:

1. Parking limited to 2 hours areas on normal charges. Extra hours attract higher charges.

2. LASPA is also engaged in off street parking, a kind of parking that is arranged off the carriageways. It includes ground parking lots, multilevel parking lots and setbacks (a setback is the space between the fence of a property and the walkway.

3. Government owns setbacks. Therefore, users will have to pay for the usage to LASPA.) In the words of LASPA General Manager, “All multinationals and their distributors must register with LASPA and get a permit for their fleet to enhance regulatory compliance and ensure eradication of indiscriminate parking”.

4. LASPA, through its enforcement team, authorized parking in all areas designated for parking, commercial and private to ensure efficient service and compliance to the stipulated guidelines as set by the Authority. The team is also engaged in collection and collation of data through mobile app in readiness for reporting. It equally submits up to date information on the level of activities at concession zones and parks to enable adjustments to the strategic 5years plan.

5. LASPA has been optimizing parking space and making processes efficient by giving real-time car parking information such as vehicle and slot counts, available slots display, reserved parking etc.

6. LASPA, by building and transforming the parking infrastructures within the metropolis and providing available real time parking information for city users planning to improve the overall quality of the parking system within the state [1].

7. On enforcement, different measures have also been taken, from Special Offences Taskforce which favoured the removal of number plates of erring vehicles over clamping down and towing of vehicles, with Special Offences Tribunal (Mobile Court).

Worth noting are some statistics on pay-and-park options among others. According to International Parking Institute, IPI, the U.S. parking industry generates more than $25-30 billion in gross parking revenues. Also in South Africa, the parking industry contributes more than 8%to their gross domestic product, GDP. A recent statistics by Federal Road safety commission, FRSC, also reveals that there are more than 13million active vehicles plying Nigerian roads, of which more than 2million are in Lagos. All these data point to the available of an untapped market here in Lagos. [2]

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Appendix 1: Traffic Offences

Violation of Routes by Commercial Vehicles

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to counselling and enlightenment by LASDRI (Lagos State Drivers’ Institute)

Non Display of Route and Route Number on Vehicle

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: N/A

Disobeying Traffic Control Personnel

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

Parking on Yellow Line on a Public Highway/Illegal Parking

Point: 4

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

Neglect of Traffic Directions

Point: 2

Penalty: Forfeiture of the vehicle to the state

Additional: Six (6) month imprisonment/one (1) community service

Vehicle Crossing Double Yellow Line/Centre Line

Point: 4

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to more training at LASDRI

Staying Within the Yellow Junction Box (Offside Rule)

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

Failure to Yield to Right of Way for Pedestrian at a Zebra Crossing

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

Failure to Give Way to Traffic on the Left at a Roundabout

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

Smoking/Drinking Alcohol While Driving

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Three (3) months imprisonment or six (6) months community service

Riding Motorcycle Without a Crash Helmet for the Rider

Point: 1

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: N/A

Riding a Motorcycle Without a Rider’s Permit

Point: 1

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00

Additional: Impound motorcycle and collect permit before release

Riding a Motorcycle:

(i) Against traffic

(ii) On the kerb, median or road setbacks

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N50,000.00 | Subsequent offender N100,000.00

Additional: Three (3) months imprisonment or six (6) months community service

Conveying More Than One Passenger at Any Given Time Both Rider and Passenger

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N50,000.00 | Subsequent offender N100,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months or both fine and imprisonment, six (6) months community service

Instalment of Musical Gadget on a Motorcycle

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Forfeiture of the gadget, counselling/Enlightenment

Alteration of Manufacturer’s Specification on Motorcycle (e.g. Handle Bar/Leg)

Point: 2

Penalty: N20,000

Additional: In addition, revert back to manufacturer’s specification

Motorcyclist Resisting Arrest

Point: N/A

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Additional LASDRI training before release

Driving Motor Vehicle/Motorcycle Without Side Mirrors, Indicators, Brake Lights or Rear Lights

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Install/fix before release plus counselling and enlightenment at LASDRI

Wrongful Overtaking of Other Vehicle

Point: N/A

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or both fine and imprisonment

Under-Aged Person Riding a Motorcycle

Point: N/A

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Dislodge rider and impound motorcycle

Motorcycle Operating Using Horn Designed For Motor Vehicles

Point: 1

Fine: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Remove horn and install normal specification

Operating a Motorcycle Below 200cc Engine Capacity

Point: 3

Penalty: N/A

Additional: Impound motorcycle

Exceeding Prescribed Speed Limit

Point: 2

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of two (2) years or both fine and imprisonment

Tailgating an Emergency Vehicle

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or both fine and imprisonment

Failure of Slow-Moving Vehicle to Keep to the Right Lane

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle plus LASDRI training

Assault on a Traffic Officer (Physical)

Point: 3

Penalty: N100,000 or six (6) months imprisonment

Additional: Pay compensation to the assaulted officer

Driving in a Direction Prohibited by the Law / Neglect of Traffic Directions

Point: 4

Penalty: Forfeiture of the vehicle to the state

Additional: 1st offence – one (1) year imprisonment and forfeiture of the vehicle to the state. Second and subsequent offence attracts three years imprisonment and forfeiture of the vehicle to the state and capturing of data and biometrics

Illegal U-Turns

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Driver training at LASDRI

Wrongful Overtaking of Other Vehicles

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N50,000.00 | Subsequent offender N100,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months or both fine and imprisonment or six (6) months community service

Overloading of a Commercial Vehicle on the Highway

Point: 4

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months or six (6) months community service

Driving on the Walkway or Kerbs

Point: 4

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: Impound vehicle plus three (3) months imprisonment

Parking on the Walkway or Kerbs

Point: 3

Penalty: N20,000

Additional: Impound vehicle plus three (3) months imprisonment

Parking or Stopping to Pick Passengers by a Commercial Vehicle on the Highway – Both Driver and Passenger

Point: 3

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: Driver training at LASDRI or three (3) months imprisonment

Bullion Van Driving in a Direction Prohibited by Law

Point: 5

Penalty: Forfeiture of vehicle

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) years or payment of a fine of five hundred thousand naira (N500,000)

Abandoned Vehicle on Highway

Point: 2

Penalty: N500,000 plus cost of towing

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months

Vehicle Causing Obstruction on Highway if Broken Down

Point: 3

Penalty: Commercial – N50,000.00 in addition to the cost of towing | Private – N25,000.00 in addition to cost of towing

Additional: N/A

Commuter or Conductor Hanging on Tailboard of Moving Vehicle

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Dislodge and impound the vehicle

Vehicle With Doors Left Open

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: One (1) month community service in addition to fine

Making and Receiving Calls While Driving Without Hands-Free

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Three (3) months community service

Texting/Reading Text Messages While Driving

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Six (6) months community service

Counting Money or Otherwise Engage in Other Activities When Driving

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Three (3) months community service

Driving Without a Strapped Seat Belt For Both Passengers

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle/Strap on the seatbelt

43. Failure to Display Reflective Warning Sign at Point of Break Down

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Procure standardised reflective sign before vehicle release

44. Motorist Resisting Arrest

Point: 2

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Impound vehicle in addition to LASDRI training

45. Offence: Use of BRT Lite Corridor

Point: 3

Penalty: 1st offender N20,000.00 | Subsequent offender N30,000.00

Additional: Imprisonment for the term of six (6) months/one (1) year community service in addition to LASDRI training

Wilful Obstruction on Highway

Point: 2

Penalty: N50,000 in addition to the cost of towing

Additional: Imprisonment for a term of three (3) months or both fine and imprisonment

Storage Charge For Impounded Cars, Jeep and Mini-Buses Per Day

Point: N/A

Penalty: N1,000

Additional: N/A

Storage Charge For Impounded Motorcycles and Three Wheelers Per Day

Point: N/A

Penalty: N500.00

Additional: N/A

Storage Charge For All Other Impounded Vehicles (Six Wheelers and Above Per Day)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N2,000

Additional: N/A

Towing Impounded Cars, Jeeps and Mini-Buses

Point: N/A

Penalty: N10,000

Additional: N/A

Towing Other Commercial Vehicles Excluding Trailers (mini-buses)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N10,000

Additional: N/A

52. Towing a Trailer or Tanker (empty)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: N/A

53. Towing a Trailer or Tanker (loaded)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: N/A

54. Towing Tippers and Lorries (loaded)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: N/A

55. Towing Luxurious Buses

Point: N/A

Penalty: N50,000

Additional: N/A

56. Towing an Overnight Breakdown (trailer)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: N/A

57. Towing Tricycles

Point: N/A

Penalty: N2,000

Additional: N/A

58. Towing Motorcycles

Point: N/A

Penalty: N500

Additional: N/A

Hire of Heavy Duty Recovery Equipment (Towing / Recovery Fees)

Point: N/A

Penalty: N/A

Additional: At hirer’s cost

Failure to Pay Penalty Within Prescribed Time

Point: N/A

Penalty: N/A

Additional: Double the initial penalty

Operating Vehicle Within Restricted Routes or Beyond Approved Hour

Point: 3

Penalty: N50,000 / Impound vehicle

Additional: Optional – Six (6) months imprisonment / one (1) year community service

Not Painting a Commercial Vehicle in Approved Colours

Point: 4

Penalty: N25,000

Additional: Impound vehicle and enforce painting before release

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs

Point: 3

Penalty: N100,000

Additional: One (1) year imprisonment

64. Disobeying Traffic Light

Point: 2

Penalty: N10,000

Additional: Optional – Three (3) months imprisonment/Six (6) months community service

Additional Offences and the Penalties They Attract

Below are other traffic offences and the penalties that come with them as clearly stipulated in the Lagos State traffic law.

Driving Without a Valid Driver’s License

If you are caught driving without a valid driver’s licence by officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) or other traffic law management agency, it constitutes an offence and your vehicle will be impounded.

Driving With Fake Number Plate

If you are caught and found guilty of this, you will be fined N30,000 or you will be sentenced to 3 years in prison as a penalty for the violation.

Driving with Forged Vehicle Particulars

The Lagos state traffic law stipulates that anyone found guilty of driving with forged car documents will spend 6 months in prison as a penalty for the offence.

Driving With a Fake Driver’s License

Anyone found guilty of this violation will be sentenced to 6 months in prison in accordance with the Lagos traffic laws.

Driving a Kabu Kabu (Unpainted Taxi) Without Permit

In Lagos, ‘Kabu Kabu’ refers to cars mostly used for conveying passengers from one place to another. What differentiates them from the popular ‘yellow taxis’ in Lagos is the fact they are not painted. However, operators of such services are expected to have a permit for their cars. The traffic penalty for not having the required permit is to have such vehicles impounded.

Disobeying LASTMA Officials

Failure to comply with the instructions of a LASTMA official is considered a grave offence and a fine of N30,000 with the risk of having your car impounded if found guilty.

Smoking While Driving

Smoking while driving is considered a gross violation of the Lagos State traffic law and attracts a fine of N30,000 or getting your car impounded.

Driving Without Full Light

This is an offence that comes with a penalty of paying N50,000 as a fine

Driving WIth Tinted Glasses

If you are caught driving a car with tinted glass without having a ‘tint permit,’ you will pay a fine of N30,000

Driving With Worn Out Tyre

Driving a car with one or more tyres being worn out is a traffic offence and you can be fined N30,000 if your tyres are deemed to be in bad condition.

Driving Without a Fire Extinguisher

Having a fire extinguisher in your car is a safety precaution and if you are caught without one in your car, you will pay a fine of N30,000. A fire extinguisher is considered compulsory for all cars.

Driving Without a Spare Tyre

Getting caught without a spare tyre is a traffic offence and attracts a fine of N30,000.

Driving a Smoking Vehicle

The penalty for driving a car that in a condition that sees it emitting black smoke from its exhaust is paying a fine of N30,000.

Driving a car With a Broken Windscreen

if the windscreen of your car is broken, then it constitutes an offence to drive it. if caught driving such a car, the penalty is a fine of N30,000.

Eating and Driving

Eating behind the wheels is dangerous and should be avoided by all means. To underscore the gravity of this offence, it attracts a penalty of spending 3 months in prison if pronounced guilty.

One-Way Driving

One-way driving is a notorious traffic offence in Lagos and is made worse with the rising population of impatient drivers and road users. Most drivers resort to driving one-way as a means to beat traffic. however, it constitutes a traffic offence. The penalty for this is a prison sentence of 3 years. yes, it’s that serious.

Traffic Offences That Can Lead to the Forfeiture of Your Car

There are specific offences that trigger the forfeiture of your car. Below, a list of the violations that can result in the immediate forfeiture of your car:

Violation of routes by commercial vehicles
Disobeying traffic control personnel
Parking on the yellow line on a public highway or illegal parking
Neglect of traffic directions
Vehicles crossing double yellow line/centre line
Ignoring the offside rule by staying within the yellow junction box
Failure to yield to the right of way of a pedestrian at a Zebra crossing
Failure of a slow-moving vehicle to keep to the right lane
Driving in a direction prohibited by the law and neglect of traffic directions
Overloading of a commercial vehicle
Park or driving on the walkway or kerbs
Bullion van driving in a direction prohibited by law
Unlicensed motorcyclists will also lose their bikes
Motorcycles below 200 cc and bikes driven by minors will be impounded [4]

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