Epe residents decry violation of traffic light

Some residents of Epe community, Lagos, on Tuesday decried the constant violation of traffic light by motorists and commercial motorcycle operators, resulting in fatal accidents.
The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Epe, said the situation if not checked, would lead to loss of lives within the coastal town.
They identified Ita-Opo area of the town as the location where the violation usually occurred.
Mr Afeez lawal, a resident, said the violation was due to ignorance of motorists, which was a challenge to other road users.
According to him, a situation where motorists no longer obey traffic rules be it light or sign is gradually making life difficult for other road users.
“This is the first time the town is witnessing installation of traffic light, a development that seems strange to vehicle owners.
“Some drivers here have not traveled out of Epe, therefore, they may not know the rules and usefulness of traffic light,” he added.
Mr Yusuf Atoyegbe, a businessman, appreciated the development but called for more enlightenment and sensitisation on the proper usage of the traffic light by motorists.
He said some of the road users are not used to traffic light; hence, they don’t know the importance.
“The government or ministry of transportation needs to educate drivers on the importance of traffic light,” he said.
Also, Mr Ayogbode seriki, a youth leader in Epe, commended the efforts of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos in ensuring infrastructural development across the city.
“We really appreciate the government’s efforts and we commend his sagacity in giving the people of Epe dividend of democracy.
“Epe people appreciate his Excellency and pledge more support throughout his administration,” he said.
Mrs Olushola Alade-Raji, a civil servant, urged the state government to deploy traffic wardens to address the incessant abuse of traffic light.
“I have observed over time that the working of the traffic light is confusing users. It took the grace of God for multiple accidents to be averted as motorists were not obeying the traffic light.
“The confusion experienced is scary, therefore, urgent intervention of appropriate authorities is required to deploy traffic officials with immediate effect,” she said.
Alade-Raji said there was need for the quick intervention of traffic officers and Personnel of Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA) at the traffic light point.
She called on the government to install more traffic lights and caution lights across the town, and that there was need for more training on the proper usage of the technology. (NAN)