The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority said on Monday that vehicles in the state who breach zebra crossing signs would face a fine of N20,000 if apprehended.
A zebra crossing is a crosswalk with a sequence of broad white stripes over black to signal a crossing point where pedestrians have the right of way and automobiles must stop to allow pedestrians to cross.
Our reporter reported that some cars around the state do not heed the zebra crossing sign, with others claiming ignorance about what the symbol represents.
A commercial driver, identified only as Mustapha, said that “those signs are meant to beautify the roads.”
Mrs Fausat Aluko, Head of the School Advocacy Programme at LASTMA, in an interview with journalists on Monday, 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.
“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.
cc: Punch Ng
