Expired vehicle documents: Police command suspends Operation Velvet

The Lagos State police command has suspended its Operation Velvet for a period of one month to   enable motor vehicle and motorcycle owners regularise their documents. The Lagos State police boss, Imohimi Edgal, had announced last Saturday that the command would yesterday commence an exercise it dubbed ‘Operation Velvet’ to enforce the state traffic laws. […]

The Lagos State police command has suspended its Operation Velvet for a period of one month to   enable motor vehicle and motorcycle owners regularise their documents.

The Lagos State police boss, Imohimi Edgal, had announced last Saturday that the command would yesterday commence an exercise it dubbed ‘Operation Velvet’ to enforce the state traffic laws.

The enforcement would include clamping down on vehicles and motorcycles plying the metropolis without valid documents.

But in a dramatic turn yesterday after the exercise had commenced on Monday, the police announced the suspension of the operation.

A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Chike Oti, said, “The operation, aimed at enforcing all relevant traffic laws to restore orderliness on our roads and highways, was put on hold for a month period based on an appeal by the governor of the state, Akinwunmi Ambode, and members of the state House of Assembly.

“However, the Command wishes to warn all road users that the grace period should not be interpreted as a period of lawlessness on the city roads. It is a time allowed to get the vehicle documents and necessary permits together.

“It warns that the Command will continue to enforce laws against driving on BRT lanes, parking at unauthorised places thereby causing gridlock, and driving against traffic (one-way).”