In furtherance of Lagos State government’s real time traffic simulation survey being carried out with the aim of reducing traffic congestion around the Lekki-Epe and Ikoyi axes, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has again approved the opening of Lekki and Ikoyi toll gates during peak hours on Wednesday July 17, 2019 .
A statement signed by Mr. Gboyega Akosile, the governor’s Deputy Chief Press Secretary, a toll-free passage at the toll plaza on Lekki-Epe Expressway and the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge would run between 6.30 a.m and 9.30 a.m, and also at the peak period in the evening (4.30 p.m to 7.30 p.m).
The statement reads: “Lagos State governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has declared toll-free for all motorists going and coming out of Lekki axis during rush hours tomorrow, Wednesday July 17, 2019 to allow the state’s consultants complete the traffic simulation survey that was started a couple of weeks ago.
“The toll free hours, Sanwo-Olu stated, is to allow traffic consultants to the government carry out a comprehensive study of traffic flow around Lekki-Ikoyi-Victoria Island axes, which is part of the initiatives the government is bringing to diffuse vehicular gridlock in major Business Districts in the state.
“According to the governor, the cost of the toll fees for the study period will be borne by the government.
“Recall that Governor Sanwo-Olu said the state was undertaking a traffic study with a group of experts to know where the traffic would go when the tollgates are left open for steady movement.
“It is only when we do this activity at the peak hour that we will be able to understand how to deal with congestion in these places,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor said the undertaking was necessary for the government to take actions that would lead to reduction of traffic on the axes by 50 per cent, adding that the result would lead to decrease in travel time and improved productivity.
“We are restating our commitment to bringing about a quick journey time through our traffic solution. The way we want to do it is to have an online real-time study of what the issues are. We are going to analyse the dimension of observed challenges and discuss next steps of solution we are bringing,” the governor said.