The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles during a weekend crackdown on traffic offenses across various areas in Lagos. The operation was carried out to restore order on major traffic corridors and ensure compliance with traffic regulations. LASTMA said the exercise was necessary to address repeated violations by motorists and commercial bus operators that have continued to affect road safety and the free movement of vehicles.
One of the major concerns observed during the operation was the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge. LASTMA described this practice as extremely hazardous, as motorists, commuters, and pedestrians approaching the bridge may have little or no warning that a commercial vehicle is unlawfully moving in the opposite direction. The agency said this practice poses a significant risk of devastating collisions, injuries, and fatalities.
The operation was met with resistance from some individuals, with LASTMA personnel physically attacked and injured while carrying out their duties. Some of the miscreants and hoodlums who allegedly attacked officers and damaged the agency's operational vehicles during the exercise were apprehended. The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the operation as a necessary and long-overdue intervention to address the growing disregard for traffic regulations.
Bakare-Oki said the agency had repeatedly cautioned transport operators, commercial bus drivers, and other road users against occupying under-bridge spaces, road setbacks, and unauthorized locations as illegal garages. He stressed that such practices constitute serious impediments to effective traffic management and pose considerable risks to public safety. The ongoing campaign aims to improve compliance with traffic regulations, discourage dangerous driving practices, and protect the lives and property of motorists, commuters, pedestrians, and other road users.
The General Manager emphasized that no individual or group would be allowed to take over public roads, bridges, or under-bridge spaces for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs, or garage operations. LASTMA urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions, and other stakeholders to stop one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading, and the use of unauthorized garages or under-bridge areas.
The agency warned that further violations would attract appropriate enforcement measures under existing Lagos State traffic laws. Members of the public were also urged to remain alert and report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists, and other traffic violations through the LASTMA toll-free short code. Prompt reports would enable the agency to respond quickly and help prevent avoidable incidents on Lagos roads.
The crackdown on traffic offenses is part of LASTMA's efforts to improve road safety and traffic management in Lagos. The agency's efforts have been commended by residents and stakeholders, who have expressed hope that the campaign will lead to a reduction in traffic-related accidents and incidents in the state. With the impounding of 84 vehicles, LASTMA has sent a strong message that it will not tolerate reckless and irresponsible driving practices on Lagos roads.
Key points
- LASTMA impounded 84 vehicles during a weekend crackdown on traffic offenses in Lagos.
- The operation targeted one-way driving, illegal garages, and other traffic offenses across various areas in Lagos.
- The agency warned that further violations would attract enforcement measures under existing Lagos State traffic laws.
