The Lagos State Government has warned car enthusiasts engaging in car-spotting activities across the state against obstructing public roads or creating a nuisance for other road users.
Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning on Tuesday following the circulation of a video showing car-spotting activities in Lagos.
Wahab said the government had no objection to car enthusiasts pursuing their interest but insisted that such activities must not disrupt traffic, obstruct roads or interfere with the privacy of residents.
“You can do your car spotting without constituting a nuisance or obstructing the road in any way,” the commissioner said.
He advised enthusiasts who wish to photograph or observe luxury, exotic and high-performance vehicles to visit car lots and other appropriate locations where they can carry out their activities without disrupting traffic.
“You are welcome to visit car lots and engage in your car-spotting activities there,” he said.
However, Wahab stressed that the government would not permit people to remain on public roads specifically for car-spotting purposes.
“However, staying on the road for this purpose will not be allowed in any way,” he added.
The commissioner also raised concerns about privacy, describing roadside car spotting as a nuisance and warning that activities considered intrusive or disruptive would not be tolerated by the state government.
“Aside from being a nuisance, it is also a breach of privacy and will not be tolerated by the State Government,” Wahab said.
Car spotting, which involves enthusiasts gathering to photograph or record luxury, exotic and high-performance vehicles, has become increasingly popular in Lagos, particularly among young people and automobile enthusiasts.
The state government’s position, however, is that the pursuit of the hobby must be balanced with the rights of other road users, residents and motorists to free movement and privacy.