The Lagos State Government many months ago had rolled out an e-inspection technology application to tackle traffic and vehicle documentation violations.
The intention is to tackle the high rate of traffic gridlock in the state. Violators of the traffic laws now get into a serious problem as they are required to pay heavy fines.
Quite a number of Traffic cameras have been installed in the metropolitan Lagos but the ones around Alausa/Otedola bridge have been activated. This means violators can be easily fished out without being confronted by any LASTMA official.
According to one of the victims who narrated his experience, he had received a strange message on that he committed a traffic offense while driving his Toyota Corolla car. He should report to the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) office Alausa (Lagos State Secretariat) within seven days or else my car would be impounded.
The central system at VIOs office updates expiring dates of vehicle papers on a daily basis
“Traffic offense! When, where? I didn’t know and could not remember being accosted by any official! Getting there, I was shown the rear of my car with the plate no shown! Yes, it is my car! Where? Alausa area! Instantly a print out was given to me slamming me with an N60k penalty! Just like that! What was my offense? Expired vehicle papers!
“Suffice it to let you know that I passed Alausa secretariat on Fri 7th June and my vehicle insurance expired a day previously. I was later informed, like many people I met that each offense attracted N20k save one-way driving/BRT driving which attracts N50k,” he said.
The culprit plat no is activated against the installed camera which on sighting the plate no sends a signal that captures the rear vehicle with deadly accuracy! This was how I ran foul of the newly introduced system.
However, I put up a gallant and stout defense. One, as at Fri 7th when I drove the car, it was only the insurance that expired less than 24 hrs earlier. Two, roadworthiness expired on June 8, a day after the offense. Vehicle license would expire tomorrow 14th June.
According to him, he claimed to be a Lagos State retired civil servant who earns N9,800 on a monthly basis (pension). “I was advised in my own interest on the need to go out with complete all documentation: jack, wheel spanner, fire extinguishers, one must not have a broken lamp or cracked windscreen.”