The Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) on Wednesday impounded over 50 rickety commercial vehicles that failed to meet the prescribed minimum roadworthiness standards.
This is in a concerted effort to ensure road safety and regulatory compliance.
The VIS conducted a comprehensive enforcement operation on Wednesday targeting unroadworthy vehicles across the state.
The impounded vehicles failed roadworthiness standard as seen in their brakes, wipers, lights, shocks and tyres, as stipulated in the State’s Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
During the enforcement exercise which spanned various key locations including; Costain, Ikorodu road, Ojuelegba, Yaba, Oyingbo, Ikeja, and Ojodu Berger, the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) while diligently scrutinising commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with safety regulations also enlightened the drivers on the danger embedded in non-compliance, majority of which was the cause of road accidents.
Debunking the misconceptions about the VIS’s enforcement focus which was said to target more on private vehicles, the Director, Vehicle Inspection Services, Engr. Akin- George Fashola explained that the road worthiness compliance is no respecter of particular categories of vehicles, saying “it is expected to be implemented on all vehicles that ply Lagos roads.”
Despite the professionalism displayed by VIS officers during the operation, some defiant commercial vehicle drivers resisted to be apprehended and in the cause of their high headedness damaged the patrol vans belonging to the VIS command.
Fashola said such acts of defiance would not deter the state government from persisting in enforcement efforts until the prevalence of rickety vehicles is significantly reduced.
The VIS Director advised all vehicle owners to adopt voluntary compliance with roadworthiness requirements for safety of lives and property.
Fashola further reiterated that the VIS would continue to uphold its commitment to conducting fair and unbiased enforcement drives, urging all vehicle owners and operators to prioritise regular maintenance and adherence to roadworthiness standards to ensure the safety of all road users.
