The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has initiated a 24-hour traffic management operation across Lagos State to mitigate increased vehicular and pedestrian movements during the Ember months and forthcoming festive season. This strategic move aims to ensure a smooth flow of traffic and reduce congestion on major interchanges, bridges, arterial roads, transport terminals, commercial districts, and other locations prone to traffic jams.
According to LASTMA's General Manager, Olalekan Bakare Oki, the intensified operation will involve enhanced traffic surveillance, rapid incident detection and response, intersection control, traffic flow management, and prompt removal of obstructions from carriageways. This multi-faceted approach is designed to minimize traffic disruptions and ensure prompt response to emergencies. The operation will also focus on strengthening incident management and diversion measures.
To achieve its objectives, LASTMA will collaborate with various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos Ambulance Service Agency (LASA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, transport unions, and other relevant agencies. This collaborative effort aims to coordinate traffic control and emergency response effectively during the period, ensuring a safe and secure environment for road users.
Bakare Oki has urged motorists, commercial transport operators, articulated vehicle and tanker drivers to adhere to traffic regulations, avoiding actions such as speeding, reckless overtaking, driving against traffic, illegal parking, and indiscriminate loading and offloading. He also advised motorists embarking on long-distance journeys to conduct thorough checks on their vehicles, particularly the braking system, tyres, and lights, before departure to prevent avoidable breakdowns and accidents.
In addition to these measures, Bakare Oki encouraged road users to report crashes, vehicle breakdowns, and other obstructions through LASTMA's toll-free short code, 3367, to enable the agency to respond quickly and efficiently. This initiative aims to reduce response times and provide timely assistance to motorists in need. By doing so, LASTMA seeks to maintain safe and efficient traffic movement throughout the festive season.
The 24-hour traffic operation is a proactive measure to address the anticipated increase in traffic volume during the Ember months and festive season. LASTMA's efforts are geared towards ensuring that Lagos residents and visitors experience a safe and hassle-free movement during this period. The authority remains committed to its mandate of managing traffic effectively and maintaining the overall safety of road users in Lagos State.
As the Ember months and festive season approach, LASTMA's 24-hour traffic operation is set to play a crucial role in maintaining traffic order and reducing congestion in Lagos. With its comprehensive strategy and collaborative approach, the authority is poised to make a positive impact on traffic management in the state, ensuring a smooth and safe movement of people and goods during this critical period.
Key points
- LASTMA starts 24-hour traffic operation to tackle congestion during Ember months and festive season.
- The operation involves enhanced traffic surveillance, rapid incident detection and response, and prompt removal of obstructions.
- LASTMA collaborates with stakeholders to coordinate traffic control and emergency response effectively.
