Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode is set to drastically change the face of Lagos traffic by introducing a world class traffic information and management system. The globally tested traffic system which has worked for many cities similar to Lagos is set to have caught the eye of Governor Ambode who wants to see Lagosians spend less hours in traffic and more in their offices and at work.
Our investigations reveal that in the next few weeks, the governor will work with some experts to design a system that fits the Lagos traffic pattern.
Today, Lagos is home to some of the worst traffic congestion in the world. Traffic congestion is a daily challenge with highly undesirable socioeconomic and environmental effects, increasing stress and pollution levels and reducing overall productivity. A sustainable solution is required to urgently decongest black spots such as Third Mainland Bridge, Abule Egba and Dopemu.
The state will introduce a world class traffic information and management system. A smart network comprising of hundreds of cameras, road sensors and electronic displays have been specially designed to collect and deliver real time information to city commuters that will help regulate traffic. Highly visible displays and a mobile phone application will flag highly congested hotspots, suggest alternative routes and estimate arrival times – all in real time.
Information is power. By empowering Lagosians with more traffic information ahead of time, the state government are confident of reducing the time spent in traffic, drastically improving each commuter’s quality of life and improving the city’s productivity as a whole. In big cities of the world, traffic information systems have helped improve traffic flow to a large percentage.