Lagos on safety mode as 60% vehicles run with faulty brakes

Amid growing safety concerns on Lagos roads, the government is increasing the number of test centres after it was discovered that 60 percent of vehicles on the state roads run with faulty brakes.

The development has been partly traced to many Nigerian auto technicians (mechanics), who are believed to have limited knowledge of modern cars. There is also the issue of poor maintenance culture, as most vehicle owners do not run checks on their vehicles until the vehicles break down.

Checks carried out across various Computerised Vehicle Inspection Service (LACVIS) set up by the Lagos State government showed that most vehicles in Lagos roads put the lives of occupants and pedestrians at risk.

The LACVIS became necessary following a decision by the state government to withdraw vehicle inspectors (VIOs) from the roads. The state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode ordered the VIOs out of the roads in 2017 in response to barrage of complaints by the public bordering on the mode of their operation, especially as related to traffic flow in the commercial city.

Ladi Lawanson, the commissioner for transport, who confirmed the results of the tests, said 60 per cent of vehicles tested at the LACVIS have faulty brakes.

“Other vehicles failed due to issues relating to lighting, suspensions, tyres and so on. These efforts have been tripled with the launch of the eight new centres, which will provide a faultless and human error-proof system that will indicate the state of your vehicles.

According to Lawanson, for the state to live up to its billing of true smart city, it has to create a platform for opportunities and accomplishments to protect lives and property. Lawanson said through the centres, the goal of meeting the United Nations Decade of Action goal, which targets reducing road accidents by 35 per cent globally, would be attained.

Segun Obayendo, managing director, LACVIS said the resolve by the government to test vehicles plying the Lagos roads would change the old template that has left on its trail huge casualties as a result of road accidents.

“What the government is doing is prescribed by the constitution as vehicle owners by law are expected to their vehicles tested road-worthy so as not to constitute danger to other road users.

More computerised testing centres are being open by the government with the plan to compelling all vehicle owners to take their vehicles for the test before road-worthiness certificate can be issued.

Already, ten centres have been established across the state, with more expected. They include those in Ikorodu and Ojodu Berger, Others are at Oko-Oba-Agege, Ayobo, Oko-Afo, Badagry, PWD, Gbagada, Agric-Isawo and Epe.