… offenders risk 3 years jail term
From Ayodele Samuel, Lagos
Lagos state government is set to enforce the law banning indiscriminate and unlawful use of siren in the state, saying any offender would henceforth be prosecuted.
The state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, announced the ban in a notice issued to remind the general public, especially drivers and other road users in the state on the use of siren.
The Attorney-General said that the use of siren and other noisy devises in vehicles are prohibited under the Lagos State Road Traffic Law.
He noted that the only exception allowed by the law is in respect of vehicles in use for emergency purposes, such as ambulances, fire engines and law enforcement vehicles on urgent call.
Ipaye added that apart from those listed, nobody is allowed to use siren or other noisy devise in a vehicle within the territorial boundary of the State, as this is criminal
He added that the ‘ use of siren and other noisy devices have caused unnecessary harassment to innocent road users and resulted in many instances of traffic congestion, avoidable motor accidents, damage to property and personal injury’.
He said under section 24(c) of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2011, it is a criminal offence to use or deploy siren or other noisy device in a vehicle within the state.
‘By virtue of section 36(1) of the same Law, convicted offenders may be fined up to Thirty Thousand Naira (N30, 000.00) and/or imprisoned for up to three (3) years’, he stated.
Ipaye noted that in addition to the above penalty, offenders would be held fully responsible for damages or injury caused by this contravention, and the offending vehicle is also liable to be forfeited to the State by virtue of section 36(2) of the Law.
‘Law Enforcement Officers have been directed to ensure full compliance with the Lagos State Road Traffic Law for the purpose of ensuring peace, safety, and security of all residents and visitors on our roads’, Ipaye added.
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