As part of the reforms of the transportation system of Lagos State, the Government is set to commence the ‘No Inspection, No Certificate of Roadworthiness: rule by January 2022 to improve safety on all roads across the metropolis.
This hint was dropped by Dr. Frederic Oladeinde the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, at a Meeting held at the Vehicle Inspection Service, (VIS) Headquarters, Ojodu.
The Transport Commissioner revealed that the rule made by the State Government was enacted to curb and reduce to the barest minimum the accident rate which had recently spiked up in the State.
Oladeinde averred that the meeting which had in attendance transport unions and other stakeholders in the transport industry was convened to collate and incorporate suggestions on the new policy before its commencement. He further explained that the State Government is desirous of only roadworthy vehicles on the road network within the state, adding that this will reduce gridlocks specifically caused by broken down vehicles thereby improving the safety of lives and property.
Engr. Akin-George Fashola, the Director, Vehicle Inspection Service, explained that the new rule now is that, at the expiration of vehicles particulars, the vehicle due for renewal will have to go through inspection at any of the LACVIS centres before Certificate of Roadworthiness is issued, adding that in the event that the vehicle did not pass the Minimum Safety Standard Text (MSST), a period of 30days will be issued for the vehicle to be fixed and thereafter return for a repetition of the MSST at no additional cost before the Certificate of Road Roadworthiness is issued.
The Vehicle Inspection Director further stated that the LACVIS test has been categorized into both Public and Private, of which Minimum Standard requirements will not be compromised.
Assuring that the 30 LACVIS centres spread across the State are functional for all categories of vehicles and also have capacity to manage the new policy, Fashola also revealed that mobile service is available for large fleets’ vehicle owners.
The VIS Director further reiterated that no vehicle will be certified roadworthy if they fail to present their vehicles for inspection for a corrective measure to prevent accidents and other road mishaps on Lagos roads. He also promised that VIS personnel will be deployed to nearby garages to help create awareness before the kick off of the new policy.