In March 2025, the Lagos State government deployed four new intelligent transport system (ITS) sites for monitoring traffic and speed limit violations.

At a press briefing in Lagos, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, said the move was taken in collaboration with Huawei Technologies.

He disclosed that the new installations would work alongside existing automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and traffic management solution (TMS) devices, urging motorists to comply with the directive. He disclosed that the fine for violating the red light is N20,000 while that for violating the speed limit is N50,000.

“The checkpoint sites are designed to detect overspeeding. One is located at Alapere, Ogudu Road, with a speed limit of 80km/h, while the other is installed at Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, with a speed limit of 60km/h. These checkpoint sites are strategically located to detect and deter overspeeding, which remains one of the leading causes of road accidents,” he said.

“Motorists who violate traffic laws as detected by the ITS will receive SMS notifications from the Vehicle Inspection Service department, detailing the nature of the violation and the corresponding fines to be paid,” he noted.

He further said that the system was not designed to be punitive but to encourage responsible driving behaviour and reduce the rate of accidents on our roads. “The goal is simple: to save lives, protect property, and create an orderly transportation environment,” he said.

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The technology was commissioned this year by Minister of Works, Mr David Umahi.

Where cameras have been installed

Cameras have been installed in different parts of Lagos. They have been installed at Alapere, Ogudu Road, where a speed limit of 80km/h has been calibrated. They have also been installed at Nitel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, where a maximum speed limit is 60km/h.

For motorists using the Third Mainland Bridge, it is no longer business as usual as a speed limit of 80 km/h has been calibrated on the bridge.

If you are driving in Allen Avenue in Ikeja, take note that there are cameras at the junction, where the speed limit is 50 km/h. Around Nurudeen-Oluwopopo Road, there are cameras everwhere, with a maximum speed limit of 60 km/h. At Alapere-Ogudu Road, there are also cameras with a maximum speed limit of 80km/h.

Similarly, cameras have been installed at Nitel on Mobolaji-Bank-Anthony Way, with a maximum speed limit of 60 km/h. Cameras are also installed at Ojota Bridge (by Motorway), with a maxium speed limit of 50 km/h. You can also find cameras at Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge, where the maximum speed limit is 50 km/h to 60 km/h.

On Ikorodu Road (various locations), the maxium speed limit is 50 km/h to 60 km/h, and offenders will be severely punished. Residents of Lagos must also take note that Oshodi-Apapa Expressway now has a speed limit of 50 km/h to 60 km/h, with cameras all over the place at the moment. At Epe Expressway, the maximum speed limit is 80 km/h, while that Murtala Mohammed International Airport road is 60 km/h.

How cameras detect your speed limits

The cameras combine multiple hardware and software systems. Cameras use lidar (light detection and ranging,), or sensor loops to measure how fast vehicles are moving as they pass calibrated points.

Lidar is a remote sensing method that uses light in the form of a pulsed laser to measure ranges (variable distances) to the earth. These light pulses, combined with other data recorded by the airborne system, generate precise, three-dimensional information about the shape of the earth and its surface characteristics, according to the National Ocean Service.

When a vehicle exceeds the calibrated limit, the system triggers an image or video capture. Once a vehicle violates traffic rules calibrated in the cameras, they will capture registration plate. The ANPR software will analyse the image using optical character recognition (OCR) and matches it to registered vehicle data.

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The system records speed, time, and location of the offence. The ANPR identifies the vehicle and link it to the owner. A review is done at a central enforcement processing unit, while an SMS alert is sent with details and payment instructions. Designated vehicle inspection service oficers at the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation will montor the entire process.

This is the techology used in various parts of the world and must now work in Lagos.

How to avoid fines

However, motorists in Lagos can take some steps to avoid falling victim to the traffic rules. First, they must reduce their speed limits no matter where they are. Secondly, motorists in Lagos must obey traffic rules and stop when the traffic lights are red.

Third, leave early for appointments to avoid rush. One of the reasons for reckless driving is the rush for appointments. But the earlier motorists leave home for appointments, the better for them.