Drivers Risk Lives by Going the Wrong Way on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway

Motorists and residents along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway are worried about people driving against traffic. They say this happens partly because of traffic jams, far U-turns, and problems getting to nearby communities.

PUNCH Metro saw that during traffic jams on the expressway, some drivers went against traffic to avoid delays, while others stayed in their lanes.

A resident from Ibafo, Awoyemi Oladidupo, told PUNCH Metro that the lack of a good service lane and the distance to U-turns make some drivers go against traffic for short trips.

Oladidupo said drivers heading to nearby places have to travel a long way before they can turn around. "The major thing is that there is no access road. The access road is supposed to pass through that corridor, within those communities, so that they will not need to go and turn from a faraway place," he explained.

He mentioned that a service lane would help drivers move within the communities without using the expressway. "Assuming there is a service lane, they will just go straight through that service lane and go to wherever they are going. It is the service lane that is supposed to be aiding them, that they are supposed to be applying," he said.

Oladidupo also pointed out that some areas meant for service lanes have been taken over by businesses and market activities. He called on the government to clear these areas and make the service lane usable.

"If they make it motorable, like grading it, make it possible for a vehicle to be able to pass it and ensure people are not encroaching on it unnecessarily. Then they will solve the issue of one way," he said.

Another trader from Mowe, Peter Banjo, noted that the road was rebuilt about four years ago but is now bad in some parts. He said the road is supposed to allow vehicles and motorcycles to pass, especially for those going to the market, but some areas are often blocked.

Peter said some drivers use the one-way route to reach the market but warned against it. "One way is bad. You don’t need to follow one way. If you can manage it, you don’t need to follow one way. You cannot manage this road; go and turn at Nesfat. If you follow one way, anything can happen. So it’s not good to follow one way. It’s not good," he said.

Peter also mentioned that work is ongoing on some sections of the road heading towards the Kara axis. In separate interviews with PUNCH Metro, some drivers said the distance between U-turn points on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway makes short trips hard. Some admitted they are sometimes tempted to take the wrong route to avoid long detours.

A driver at Magboro, Yinka Adekunle, said the distance to the nearest U-turn is a hassle, especially when he wants to make a short trip. "Sometimes, you just want to go somewhere nearby, but the U-turn is far. You have to go a long distance before you can turn and come back. That is why some people are tempted to use the other side of the road, but it is not safe," he said.

Similarly, a road user at Aseese, Olamide Osho, said driving the wrong way is risky but can happen when drivers want to avoid spending too much time on the expressway. "The road is busy, and sometimes the U-turn is too far. Some drivers don’t want to go all the way before turning, so they use the wrong side. But this can cause accidents because another vehicle can come from the opposite direction," he said.

Talking with PUNCH Metro, the FRSC Public Relations Officer, Afolabi Odunsi, said the corps will step up efforts to stop driving against traffic. "The Federal Road Safety Corps is intensifying enforcement and public enlightenment to curb driving against traffic on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway," he said.

The FRSC spokesperson added that the agency has put plans in place to tackle the problem and punish offenders. "Measures include increased patrols, strategic deployment of personnel, monitoring of critical points, engagement with transport unions and motorists, prompt apprehension of offenders and special joint intervention patrols with sister agencies.

"Motorists caught driving against traffic are prosecuted under traffic laws. Such offenders may face fines, vehicle impoundment, and other sanctions as prescribed by law. There will also be mobile court activities. They will be made to go for psychiatric tests and go through the public education office for more education," he added.

This news comes months after PUNCH Metro reported that drivers and other road users on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway had raised concerns about people driving against traffic to beat congestion.