OPS Seeks Waiver To Traffic Law In Lagos

Members of the

Organised
Private Sector(OPS) in Lagos State have appealed to the state government to
grant them concessions in the implementation of the new Lagos Traffic Law.

They made the appeal at the Private Sector Stakeholders’
forum on the law, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(LCCI) in Ikeja.

The members, who contended that some provisions of the law
were not favourable to their business implored Gov. Babatunde Fashola to give
them some waivers.

Mr John Aluya, representative of the Manufacturers
Association of Nigeria (MAN), said the restriction on the movement of
articulated trucks, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., was a big threat to their
operations.

He said apart from the security risks trucks might face
travelling at night, the poor illumination of most roads might also result in
accidents and loss of consignments.

“We, therefore, appeal that our trucks should be allowed to
move between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the roads are mostly free,’’
he said.

Presenting the position of courier companies on the law, Mr
Ralph Ozuede, Managing Director of UPS, said the prescription of 200cc
motorcycles for their operations was not convenient.

According to him, 200cc motorcycles are not readily
available in the country and cost about N1million each.

“We want the government to allow us some grace of between
six months and one year to transit to the prescribed motorcycle capacity .As it
is now; it will be difficult for us to get the 200cc engines because they are
very expensive,’’ he said.

Mr Joseph Umoni, representative of Road Haulage Association
of Nigeria, argued that the ban on movement of trucks during the day could
cause a lull in their operations as well as loss of jobs.

Responding, Fashola said the traffic law, just like every
other law, was not perfect and could be amended.