The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, on Monday, said motorists in the state who violate zebra crossing signs will pay a fine of N20,000 if caught.
A zebra crossing is a crosswalk marked by a series of broad white stripes over black to indicate a crossing point at which pedestrians have the right of way, and where motorists are expected to stop for pedestrians to cross.
several motorists across the state do not obey the zebra crossing sign with some of them feigning ignorance about what the sign stands for.
A commercial driver, who gave his name simply as Mustapha, said that “those signs are meant to beautify the roads.”
The Head, School Advocacy Programme, LASTMA, Mrs Fausat Aluko, said, “We have our men on the ground to arrest those who violate road signs, especially zebra crossing.
For zebra crossing, there is a fine in place. It is N20,000 if an offender is caught. Drivers who fail to stop for pedestrians to cross at zebra crossings and those who park on the signs during traffic will be made to pay a fine of N20,000 if caught.”
Speaking on motorists who feign ignorance about road signs, Aluko said one of the measures taken was to ensure that every motorist was introduced to the road signs and their meanings at the state’s drivers’ institute before they are issued a driver’s licence.
She added that the agency had embarked on a public enlightenment programme which “has started in schools across the state to get our children familiarised with road signs.”
“We visit different schools on Wednesday every week to ‘catch them young’ and inculcate the habit of respecting road signs in them from their tender age. We also believe that the children can correct their daddies or mummies or their school drivers when they see them violate road signs. We see them as our ambassadors to take the message to their families.
“We have established a club called ‘Safety Club’ in schools to enhance these enlightenment efforts,” she added.