LAGOS: Govt imposes restrictions on Oshodi-Apapa expressway, other routes

THE government has imposed restriction on truck drivers within the Oshodi-Apapa Expressway and other parts of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement by Gboyega Akosile, Chief Press Secretary to Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the decision became necessary to ease the traffic gridlock especially along the Apapa axis of the state.

Speaking on the development, Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, noted that truck drivers would ply routes in the state only between 9 pm and 6 am daily.

“The Lagos State Government has proposed the implementation of route restrictions for trailer and truck drivers operating within the State, while their movement periods are restricted to night time.

“The Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, announced that the current administration has mapped out dedicated routes to be plied between 9:00 pm and 6:00 am daily.

“He elaborated that the move was necessary as the Apapa in Lagos has been rendered less profitable for investors due to the gridlock and activities of truck drivers along the axis, appealing to the stakeholders to cooperate with the State Government to remedy the situation.

“Oladeinde urged them to put aside their sentiments and think of other motoring public as the policy is not meant to cause rancour, but geared towards opening up the State for greater economic realities.”

“The Commissioner implored the stakeholders to see issues raised as work in progress while noting that discussions with the unions are ongoing until the grey areas are cleared.”

Several fruitless efforts have been made by both the federal and state governments to sanitise the Apapa-Oshodi expressway following complaints from people that criminals take advantage of the gridlock to perpetrate theft, rape and other dastardly acts.