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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