Lagos Bans Use Of Siren

The Lagos State Government yesterday began an outright enforcement of section 24 (c) of the state's road traffic law, which outlawed the indiscriminate and unlawful use of siren in the state.

The notice of enforcement was contained in a statement issued by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeola Ipaye, directing members of the public to comply with the law.

The attorney-general said the state government announced the ban to remind the general public, especially drivers and other road users in the state on the use of siren.

He said the use of siren and other noisy devises in vehicles "is prohibited under the Lagos Road Traffic Law," which he said, was signed into law on August 2, 2012 to ensure order and safety on the state roads.

He, however, said the only exception allowed by the law "is in respect of vehicles in use for emergency purposes, such as ambulances, fire engines and law enforcement vehicles on urgent call."

Ipaye, therefore, said apart from those listed, no person or motorist was allowed to use siren or other noisy devises in a vehicle within the territorial boundary of the state, as this is criminal.

The attorney general said the use of siren and other noisy devices "have caused unnecessary harassment to innocent road users and resulted in many instances of traffic congestion, avoidable motor accidents, damage to property and personal injury."

He, therefore, said under section 24(c) of the Lagos Road Traffic Law 2012, it "is a criminal offence to use or deploy siren or other noisy device in a vehicle within the State.

"By virtue of section 36(1) of the same Law, convicted offenders may be fined up to Thirty Thousand Naira (N30, 000.00) and/or imprisoned for up to three years.

"In addition to the above penalty, offenders would be held fully responsible for damages or injury caused by this contravention, and the offending vehicle is also liable to be forfeited to the State by virtue of section 36(2) of the Law.

"Law enforcement officers have been directed to ensure full compliance with the Lagos State Road Traffic Law for the purpose of ensuring peace, safety, and security of all residents and visitors on our roads," he explained.

Ipaye thanked the law abiding people of the state for their continued partnership in making it a model megacity, saying anybody that contravenes any sections of the law should be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.