The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has warned motorists on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway against driving against traffic amid ongoing rehabilitation works on the Kara Bridge, vowing that violators will be penalised irrespective of their status.
The Lagos Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Kehinde Hamzat, issued the warning on Monday during an on-the-spot assessment of traffic congestion along the corridor.
Hamzat condemned reports that some security and government vehicles had been flouting traffic rules, describing the act as an abuse of office.
“It is wrong. Many times, we take some of their details,” he said, adding that agencies involved would be notified for internal disciplinary action.
According to him, sanctions imposed by government agencies on their personnel are often more severe than those administered by the FRSC, noting that such misconduct brings disrepute to both the individual and the institution.
The ongoing rehabilitation of the Kara Bridge has worsened traffic congestion along the expressway, with the FRSC earlier indicating that the repairs would last at least two months. The corps said damaged sections of the bridge had contributed to several crashes, particularly when motorists attempted to dodge oncoming vehicles.
To accelerate completion, two expansion joints are being repaired simultaneously with faster-curing materials, while weighbridges are expected to be deployed to curb overloading, which Hamzat identified as a major cause of road deterioration.
The sector commander said officers had been strategically deployed along the corridor to prevent motorists from driving against traffic.
“We have done a strategic deployment along the corridor. If you can see, no one is allowed now to drive against traffic,” he said.
He acknowledged delays for motorists heading into Lagos but stressed that discipline was critical to preventing total gridlock.
“Yes, people coming into Lagos will feel some pains, but if it’s moving, it will be better than blocking both sides of the road,” Hamzat said.
Hamzat disclosed that several motorists had already been arrested for violating traffic rules and would be fined or prosecuted in court.
“We have arrested some people who tried to drive against traffic, and they have been put in places where they may be fined, as well as presented before a court of competent jurisdiction,” he added.
He said FRSC personnel would remain on duty throughout the duration of the repair works, in collaboration with other security agencies, to ensure compliance and maintain traffic flow.
