The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for
Justice, Mr. Ade Ipaye, on Monday unfolded plans by the state government to ban
smoking in public places.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos that the
provisions of the new Lagos State Traffic Laws had prohibited people from
drinking or smoking while driving in the state.
Ipaye said though the new law was aimed at reducing road
carnage, it was also part of the government’s plans to ban smoking in public
places.
“It is an offence to smoke while driving, smoking is totally
prohibited for drivers; obviously it is not just for safety reasons it is also
for health reasons because we are moving towards banning smoking in all public
places.
“It is an offence to drive drunk if you have been taking
alcohol; if you’ve been taking drugs this law provides for blood test to
determine whether you have ingested drugs which are inconsistent with your
ability to drive.
“So, this law makes it an offence to drive without a
driver’s licence, without proper plate numbers. It is an offence to use the
phone while you are driving except you have a hands-free set so you don’t need
to put the set to your ear,” Ipaye said.
Clarifying the misconceptions about the new law, Ipaye said,
“It seeks to criminalise traffic offences and sanction offenders, as part of
strategy to bring under control, the chaotic traffic situation within the
metropolis.”
He said the law was necessitated by the dire need to ensure
the safety, health and security of road users.
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