The State Government of Lagos on Tuesday banned infrequent as well as illegal usage of siren throughout the state.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, who announced the ban in a notice issued to remind the public on the issue, said the use of siren and other noisy devices in vehicles is prohibited under the Lagos State Road Traffic Law.
He noted that 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.
The commissioner stressed that apart from those listed, nobody is allowed to use siren or other noisy devise in a vehicle within the territorial boundary of the State, as this is criminal.
According to the Attorney General, ‘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’.
Ipaye urged road users in the state to note that under section 24(c) of the Lagos State Road Traffic Law 2011, 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 (3) years’.
Ipaye noted that in addition to the above penalty, offenders would be held fully responsible for damages or injury caused by his 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 the peace, safety, and security of all residents and visitors on our roads’, he added.
While thanking Lagosians for their continued partnership in making the state a model megacity, Ipaye said anybody that contravenes any sections of the law should be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.
