LAGOS — Embarrassed by indiscriminate use of siren in Lagos State, the government yesterday directed law enforcement agencies to begin apprehension of offenders as well as their prosecution.
The Attorney General and Commissioner
for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, in a statement warned the general public,
especially drivers, against the use of siren and noisy devices indiscriminately
within the state.
The use of siren and other noisy devices
in vehicles is prohibited under the Lagos State Road Traffic Law.
According to the AG, it was only
vehicles used for emergency purposes, such as ambulances, fire engines and law
enforcement vehicles on urgent call that are exempted from the rule.
Ipaye added that apart from those
listed, nobody is allowed to use siren or other noisy device in a vehicle
within the territorial boundary of the state
.
He said: “The use of siren and other
noisy devices have caused unnecessary harassment to innocent road users and
resulted in many instances of traffic congestion, avoidable motor accidents,
damage to property and personal injury.”
Section 24 (C ) of the Lagos State
Road Traffic Law 2011, made it criminal offence to use or deploy siren or other
noisy device in a vehicle within the state.
“By virtue of section 36(1) of the
same law, convicted offenders may be fined up to N30,000 and/or imprisoned for
up to three years,” he noted.
Ipaye said in addition to the above
penalty, offenders would be held fully responsible for damage or injury caused
by his contravention and the offending vehicle is also liable to be forfeited
to the state by virtue of Section 36(2) of the law.
“Law enforcement officers have been
directed to ensure full compliance with the Lagos State Road Traffic Law for
the purpose of ensuring the peace, safety and security of all residents and
visitors on our roads,” Lagos AG added.
Ipaye, while thanking the law-abiding
people of Lagos State for their continued partnership in making the state a
model megacity, said anyone that contravened any section of the law should be
prepared to face the full wrath of the law.
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