Lagos Orders Psychiatric Tests for One-Way Traffic Law Violators
- In a bold push for road safety, the Lagos State Government has ordered psychiatric evaluations for 18 motorists caught driving against traffic
- The initiative, led by LASTMA, aims to tackle dangerous driving behaviour and restore discipline on Lagos roads
- Officials say the measure is both corrective and preventive, reflecting global best practices in traffic law enforcement
In an unprecedented move to reinforce public safety, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has announced the immediate commencement of mandatory psychiatric evaluations for 18 drivers apprehended for driving against traffic.
According to a statement issued by Adebayo Taofiq, LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs, the Lagos State Government directed the initiative as a “strategic effort to curb the menace of one-way traffic violations”.
Source: Facebook
The decision forms part of a broader campaign to enhance road discipline and deter traffic infractions across the state.
Taofiq emphasised that the measure was designed not merely to penalise offenders but to assess their mental and behavioural fitness through a comprehensive psychiatric review.
“In a strategic effort to curb the menace of one-way traffic violations in Lagos, the Lagos state government has directed the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to ensure that 18 motorists apprehended for brazenly driving against traffic flow (one-way) undergo mandatory psychiatric evaluation,” the statement read.
LASTMA affirms public safety goals
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stated that the agency had finalised prosecutorial arrangements for the vehicle owners to be immediately arraigned. He argued that the psychiatric assessment aims to shield the public from “dangerously reckless” behaviour by motorists who disregard traffic regulations.
“The deployment of psychiatric testing serves as both a corrective instrument and a deterrent to those who may be tempted to emulate such hazardous behaviour,” Bakare-Oki remarked.
He described the initiative as part of a moral and civic mission that aligns with global best practices in traffic psychology and behavioural enforcement.
“This measure is more than just a traffic enforcement initiative; it is a moral and civic imperative, reflecting the Lagos state government’s vision to promote responsible motoring, safeguard human life, and maintain order on our roads.”
Source: Twitter
Despite continued public sensitisation efforts, Bakare-Oki noted that a number of motorists persist in violating road laws, resulting in accidents, congestion, and damage to public infrastructure. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to deploying stringent measures to prevent further loss of lives on Lagos roads.
LASTMA releases list of offences
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has released a list of offences that could attract jail terms for motorists in the state.
LATSMA said eating, drinking, or smoking while driving could land motorists in jail. The agency said the above offences are punishable offences under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018.
This was disclosed in a post shared on its official X handle,@followlastma, on Wednesday, April 9, 2025. LASTMA explained that violators depend on the severity and judicial outcome risk having their vehicle impounded, facing three months imprisonment, or being sentenced to six months of community service.
Source: Legit.ng
