The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic violations during a weekend enforcement operation across several areas in the state. The operation, which took place across Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain, and Onipanu areas, aimed to restore order and ensure compliance with traffic regulations.
According to LASTMA's Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, the enforcement operation was carried out to address persistent traffic violations by motorists and commercial bus operators that had affected traffic flow and road safety. The agency was particularly concerned about commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.
Taofiq stated that the practice of reversing against traffic posed a serious danger to other road users, as motorists approaching the bridge might have little or no warning that a vehicle was unlawfully reversing against the flow of traffic. He emphasized that this could lead to devastating collisions, injuries, and fatalities.
During the enforcement operation, some individuals resisted the efforts of LASTMA personnel, leading to physical assault and injuries. Some suspected miscreants who allegedly attacked the officials and damaged operational vehicles were apprehended.
The LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the exercise as necessary to curb the growing culture of impunity among some road users and restore discipline along critical traffic corridors. He had previously warned transport operators, commercial bus drivers, and other road users against using under-bridge spaces, road setbacks, and unauthorized locations as illegal garages.
Taofiq stated that the sustained enforcement campaign aimed to ensure compliance with traffic regulations, discourage hazardous driving practices, and protect motorists, commuters, pedestrians, and other road users. Bakare-Oki warned that no individual or group would be allowed to appropriate public roads, bridges, or under-bridge spaces for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs, or garage operations.
LASTMA consequently warned commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions, and other stakeholders to desist from driving against traffic, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading, and occupying unauthorized garages or under-bridge locations. The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists, and other traffic violations through the LASTMA toll-free short code, 3367.
Key points
- 84 vehicles impounded during enforcement operation
- LASTMA personnel assaulted during operation
- Enforcement campaign aims to ensure compliance with traffic regulations
