LASTMA hotline gets 400 calls in 2 weeks

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) 3367 Toll-Free Short-Code Hotline meant to strengthen emergency responses and enhance traffic management has received over 400 calls in two weeks.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in an interview with our correspondent on Monday in Lagos.

Our correspondent reports that the short code unveiled on June 28 is a strategic initiative designed to fortify emergency response operations, optimise traffic management efficiency and deepen public participation in the administration of road transportation across Lagos State.

“The outcome of the new LASTMA code has been surprising; in the last two weeks, the agency has received over 400 calls.

“This is a migration from the long digit and with the introduction of this short code, we are now more accessible to the public, and it has been welcomed by people,” he said.

Bakare-Oki said that the authority received various calls ranging from people reporting the conduct of their men, telling them where there are infractions , accidents while some called to give commendation.

“Most surprisingly, some called to ensure that the line was working,” he said.

The general manager assured residents that all reports received through the platform would be treated with utmost professionalism while being transmitted to the appropriate operational units for action.

He urged the public to embrace the hotline as a vital instrument for enhancing road safety.

On conduct of officers, he said any LASTMA officer found guilty of serious misconduct while on duty had always been sanctioned accordingly.

“Especially on the introduction of short code, they themselves are aware that they are being monitored by the public and that serves as a watchdog.

“Apart from the 3367 short code, the authority has a vibrant and working surveillance department in the agency.

“The department’s core responsibility is to move around at all times, unbranded and in an unbranded vehicle , like a mystery shopper. This has yielded a positive response,” he said.

He noted that cumulatively, all these initiatives had really helped the authority in terms of service delivery to Lagos residents, and in ensuring that they reduce travel time of Lagos residents.

“Traffic management is a shared responsibility, LASTMA as an agency and Lagos state government will always do their part in ensuring they deploy all resources, both human and material so that the travel time is improved.

“The public should ensure that they abide by traffic rules and regulations and ultimately, uphold high safety standards at all times and not drive recklessly.

“They should not speed but respect the rights of other road users,” he said.