*As police impound 140 bikes, arrest others
*State govt to provide alternatives to Okada ban
There was total compliance to the Okada ban by the Lagos State Government, in the affected areas on Wednesday.
Quest Times reporter who monitored the situation observed that some of the major roads, such as Oshodi-Apapa expressway, especially Cele bus stop, Apple Junction, and Mile 2 Oke, where riders used to cluster, witnessed free flow of traffic at the time of filing this report.
There was also total compliance in Lekki Phase One, as Lagos State Taskforce vans were stationed in strategic places to monitor the situation.
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However, the Police impounded 140 motorcycles, while 94 of them were seized in communities around Ajah, Ikeja, and its environs.
Lagos govt update
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has announced a plan to provide alternative means of transportation for residents in the State who are feeling the bite of the Okada ban.
This was contained in a statement signed Wednesday, by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho.
“The Lagos State Government wishes to put on record the remarkable cooperation of Lagosians on the commercial motorcycles ban, which took effect today in six local governments.
“The compliance was significant in Surulere, Apapa, Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Lagos Mainland, and Ikeja. It is the first phase of the ban, which was announced on May 18 by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, following security and safety concerns.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu assures Lagos residents and visitors that his Administration will not leave them to their own devices; it “will continue to work towards the achievement of an efficient intermodal transportation system (water, rail and road) that will be the pride of all”.
“Lagos residents stayed off the motorcycles, also known as “Okada”, as the government rolled out alternatives to cushion likely effects of the ban in many areas.
Many small buses, under the First Mile and Last Mile Scheme, were rolled out extensively in Surulere, Gbagada, Lekki, Lagos Island, and other parts of Lagos.
“A number of taxi cabs under the LAGRIDE scheme were deployed in Lagos Island, Ikeja, Surulere, Lekki, and other places.
“The waterways were also busy as Lagos Ferry Services (LAGFERRY) put more ferries on their routes.
“Law enforcement agencies seized many motorcycles today. They will all be crushed on Friday in the presence of the media,” the statement read.
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