With Lagos preparing for the heavy traffic that usually accompanies the Ember Months and December festivities, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has enlisted more than 100 community volunteers to promote road safety and responsible motoring across the state.
The volunteers, known as LASTMA Mayors, were formally decorated and inducted into an expanded traffic advocacy network at a ceremony held at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.
The initiative is designed to strengthen community participation in traffic management and reduce the burden on enforcement officers by mobilising residents to educate motorists, transport operators and other road users on the need to obey traffic regulations.
Speaking at the ceremony, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said effective traffic management could not be left to government agencies alone.
Stressing that residents and other stakeholders must take responsibility for maintaining order on the roads.
He said the newly inducted volunteers would serve as community ambassadors, using their influence and local networks to promote traffic discipline, encourage voluntary compliance and disseminate road safety information.
According to him, the initiative would complement the statutory responsibilities of uniformed LASTMA personnel, particularly as vehicular movement is expected to increase during the festive period.
Bakare-Oki said the volunteers would work with residents, commercial transport operators, market leaders and other stakeholders to encourage safer road-use practices.
He also appealed to Christian and Islamic religious leaders to support the campaign by incorporating road safety messages into sermons, worship services, fellowship meetings and other religious activities.
Bakare-Oki also stressed the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, urging motorists to pay attention to their braking systems, tyres, steering mechanisms, lights and other essential components.
He said the excitement and social activities associated with December celebrations should not become excuses for reckless driving and disregard for traffic regulations.
The General Manager urged motorists to exercise patience, restraint and vigilance, adding that roadworthiness and compliance with traffic laws were essential to preventing crashes.
