Lagos to prosecute drivers who destroy truck barriers

The Lagos state government has vowed to clamp down on truck drivers who destroy height restriction barriers installed across the city.

In a statement on Saturday, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, the Lagos transportation commissioner, said despite several warnings, truckers wantonly destroy barriers installed to prevent accidents.

He cited the truck barriers at the stadium area in Ojuelegba and Dorman Long Bridge, adding that they are “wantonly destroyed by some truck drivers with ignominy immediately after they are installed, leaving the state with no other choice than prosecution”.

“Following several warnings urging truck drivers to be mindful of the height restriction barriers (truck barriers) for articulated vehicles installed at Stadium, Ojuelegba and Dorman Long Bridges, the Lagos state government has resolved to commence prosecution of the drivers found culpable,” the statement reads.

“This unruly behaviour of the truck drivers poses a severe threat to the safety of all road users and the general public hence it will no longer be tolerated.

“Any willful destruction of public property is a criminal offence and the Lagos state government is committed to prosecuting offenders within the ambit of the law.

“The general public [should] recognise the importance of these safety measures and report any suspicious activities to the ministry of transportation through 09038208154 or 09034810153 as their cooperation is in line with the safety and integrity of public infrastructure.”

In January, nine persons were killed and another nine were injured after a container-laden truck fell on a bus at the Ojuelegba bridge.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) had recommended the construction of barricades on the Ojuelegba bridge to restrict the movement of articulated vehicles.

In August, the state government began installing truck barriers from Funsho Williams Avenue.

However, most of the restrictions are destroyed as soon as they are installed.