The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles during a weekend enforcement operation targeting one-way driving, illegal garages and other traffic violations. The exercise covered major traffic flashpoints in the state, including Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu. The operation aimed to restore order and improve compliance with Lagos traffic regulations. LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the enforcement as necessary to address the growing disregard for traffic regulations along critical corridors.
A major concern for LASTMA was the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge. The agency warned that this practice is extremely dangerous and may result in serious collisions, injuries or fatalities. Motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge may have little warning of vehicles unlawfully reversing into oncoming traffic. LASTMA's enforcement operation targeted such traffic violations and others.
The enforcement operation was met with resistance in some locations, with LASTMA officers allegedly attacked and injured by miscreants and hoodlums opposed to the exercise. Some individuals involved in the attacks were apprehended after allegedly assaulting personnel and damaging LASTMA operational vehicles. The agency reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic regulations and warned against future attacks on its personnel.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, stressed that public roads, bridges and under-bridge spaces would not be allowed to become unauthorised locations for vehicle loading, parking, repairs or garage operations. He urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other road users to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised garages.
Bakare-Oki warned that further violations would attract enforcement action in line with existing Lagos State traffic laws. He described the enforcement as a necessary intervention to address the growing culture of disregard for traffic regulations along critical corridors. The agency's warnings are aimed at preventing avoidable incidents on Lagos roads.
LASTMA also appealed to members of the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists and other violations through its toll-free short code, 3367. This would enable the agency to respond promptly and prevent accidents. The public's cooperation is crucial in maintaining order and safety on Lagos roads.
The impounded vehicles were part of a larger effort to restore order and improve compliance with Lagos traffic regulations. LASTMA's enforcement operation is an ongoing effort to address traffic violations and promote road safety in the state. The agency remains committed to enforcing traffic regulations and ensuring the safety of motorists, commuters and pedestrians.
Key points
- LASTMA impounded 84 vehicles for one-way driving and illegal garages.
- The agency warned against using under-bridge spaces and road setbacks as illegal garages.
- Members of the public can report traffic violations through LASTMA's toll-free short code, 3367.
