The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said it would reinstate psychiatric assessments as a penalty for individuals violating traffic offences across the state.

The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, said this on Wednesday at the unveiling of the communiqué of the 25th anniversary of the agency held in Victoria Island. Giwa stressed that the communiqué was drafted following suggestions from various stakeholders.

According to him, some of the resolutions of the communiqué included psychiatric assessments for traffic offenders, prosecution of individuals who assault LASTMA personnel and continuous training for its officers. He said: “It was unequivocally affirmed that any individual who physically or verbally assaults LASTMA officers shall face immediate legal prosecution, with such cases widely publicised to serve as a deterrent and uphold the dignity of uniformed officers.

“Traffic management strategies should incorporate behavioural science principles, while road safety education must be embedded into primary and secondary school curricula to build a new generation of law-abiding road users.

“The agency should reinstate psychiatric assessments as a penalty for individuals apprehended for driving against traffic (one-way), in line with previous safety-oriented reforms to re-instil fear and law-abiding spirit in citizens.”

Giwa added that other recommendations included career development, training and capacity building, collaboration with sister security agencies and investment in research innovations.

“LASTMA is encouraged to establish a Unified Mobility Control Centre, expand Intelligent Transport Systems across priority corridors, and equip traffic officers with training in artificial intelligence and real-time data tools to enhance precision in enforcement and incident management.

“Engender financial inclusivity amongst the cadre in the agency through cooperatives and microfinance organisations to create financial support packages, granting officers easier access to loans for the education of their children, healthcare and family needs.

“A structure should be introduced to provide subsidised essential services for traffic officers. Officers are encouraged to remain committed, focused, and uphold integrity, with reassurance that their dedication will eventually be rewarded,” he said.