By Sodiq Adelakun
The Lagos State Government is enhancing its public transportation system with a new vehicle scrapping scheme targeting both Danfo minibuses and private cars.
This initiative is part of the Lagos State Transport Policy and aims to replace ageing vehicles with newer models within the next two to five years.
Under this scheme, operators of Danfo minibuses used for public transport will receive incentives to acquire new vehicles in exchange for scrapping their old, dilapidated ones.
The majority of Danfo buses currently in use are old, poorly maintained, and badly operated, prompting the Lagos State Government to push for this scrapping scheme.
According to Section 4.6 of the Transport Policy, which focuses on ‘Public Transport: Bus and Non-Bus Based,’ the exchange of old Danfo buses for new models will help reduce air pollution and carbon emissions while improving service reliability with fewer breakdowns.
Additionally, Section 4.7 of the Transport Policy outlines plans to introduce a vehicle scrapping scheme for private vehicles.
This initiative aligns with the government’s goal of reducing the average age of vehicles on Lagos roads and mitigating their environmental impact.
The policy notes that this initiative aligns with the Lagos State Government’s goal of reducing the average age of vehicles on Lagos roads and mitigating their current adverse environmental impact.
“The Government’s policy on the use of private transport is to make their use more efficient while simultaneously promoting their reduced usage.
“The Government will also seek to reduce, consistent with relevant Federal regulation, the average age of private vehicles licensed in the State by introducing a vehicle scrapping scheme similar to that proposed for minibuses (danfos),” a portion of Section 4.7 of the policy read.
The policy also highlights that the Lagos State Government recognises a large proportion of the vehicles used for private trips in Lagos are imported pre-owned vehicles, many of which are aged, poorly maintained, and often in poor condition.
The proposed vehicle scrapping scheme aims to reduce the average age of private vehicles on Lagos roads, thereby addressing these issues.
The Transport Policy emphasises the need for the scheme to establish criteria consistent with relevant Federal regulations for determining affected vehicles. Additionally, it highlights the importance of an incentive system to encourage voluntary participation in the scheme.