By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Traffic Management Solution Device (TMS), a handheld device, has been introduced by the Lagos State government to check traffic infractions and facilitate free flow of vehicles especially in the Lagos metropolis notorious for logjams.
TMS allows for real-time capture of picture and video evidence of road traffic and vehicle compliance violations, according to Transportation Commissioner Frederic Oladeinde, reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He described TMS as a traffic law compliance initiative, in line with the Smart City status of Lagos, which also aligns with traffic management structure on traffic law violations and compliance checks.
Solving traffic gridlocks
Oladeinde enthused that TMS device will help solve perennial traffic gridlocks caused by traffic violations.
“The innovation will aid the eradication of fine-payment controversy between traffic law enforcement officers and violators, as only electronic payments guarantee the clearance of a violation from the violators’ list,” he explained.
“An offender may choose to visit a traffic court and presents the Violation Number for the violation he/she wishes to challenge.
“It will help in electronic verification of the authenticity of driving licences, vehicle licences and number plates, which will significantly assist in achieving the goal of clamp down on motorists with fake licences and number plates.”
TMS reduces the need for traffic law officials to have contact with traffic offenders, as officials will only capture violations, which will enable them to focus on their primary duty of efficient and effective traffic management.
Oladeinde said TMS is transparent as it provides video and picture evidence, and facilitates efforts to modernise operations, simplifies enforcement by eliminating impediments.
Such evidence is intended to aid the resolution process and impose financial penalties within the ambit of the law.
Reduction of conflict between traffic wardens and motorists
Nairametrics reports that members of the public often question the modus operandi of officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), with calls for reform that include deployment of technology in their operations.
Conflict often arises between LASTMA officials and motorists some of who deny allegations against them and accuse the officials of overzealousness and extortion.
LASTMA officials, who sometimes are at the receiving end, have had to deal with attacks on them by traffic violators, in the course of discharging their duties.
Deployment of technology, especially smart body cameras, will help reduce conflicts and make the operations of LASTMA more credible.
The state government announced in February that LASTMA officials will start using smart body cameras to monitor traffic violations.
This came after a viral video showed a man driving a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) against traffic along International Airport Road.
As law enforcement agents attempted to apprehend the driver, the vehicle hit a policeman and tipped him over a bridge.