Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service to impound rickety buses

The Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) has issued a firm warning to motorists and the general public, declaring that all rickety vehicles found on the state’s roads will be seized permanently. 

The agency emphasized that such vehicles pose serious risks to public safety and contribute significantly to road accidents.

The Director of VIS, Akin-George Fashola, delivered the warning on Sunday, stressing that the agency would intensify efforts to rid the roads of vehicles deemed unfit for operation. He urged Lagosians to be vigilant and avoid boarding poorly maintained vehicles, especially those frequently operating at night.

According to Fashola, rickety vehicles have been directly linked to fatal road crashes, causing injuries, loss of lives, and destruction of property. He cited several mechanical defects commonly found in these vehicles, including expired and unstable tyres, makeshift brake repairs, and rust-damaged body components that render them structurally unsound.

“These vehicles are a danger to both their occupants and other road users,” Fashola said. “They often break down without warning or suffer brake failure, especially in high-traffic zones, which increases the chances of serious accidents.”

The VIS director confirmed that any vehicle impounded for being in poor condition will not be released. He added that the agency is collaborating with key stakeholders, including road transport unions, to ensure continued compliance with road safety standards across Lagos.

Fashola also called on members of the public to play a role in promoting road safety by reporting rickety vehicles through the agency’s complaint platforms. “The safety of Lagosians remains our top priority,” he said. “We encourage everyone to prioritise their safety and avoid vehicles that could endanger lives.”