The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has introduced a 24-hour traffic management strategy for the Ember Months and festive season. This move aims to ensure smoother traffic flow as vehicular and pedestrian movements are expected to increase significantly during this period. The strategy will involve the deployment of personnel and specialised response teams to major interchanges, bridges, and other identified traffic-prone locations.
According to LASTMA's General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, the intensified operation will combine real-time traffic monitoring, strategic corridor management, and rapid incident response to prevent minor disruptions from escalating into prolonged gridlock. The strategy also includes attention to vehicle breakdowns, road crashes, and indiscriminate parking, which frequently impede traffic movement.
The LASTMA boss disclosed that the agency will strengthen its accident and incident management system, including the prompt evacuation of crashed or disabled vehicles from carriageways to prevent secondary crashes and unnecessary congestion. This will involve tactical diversions and temporary traffic-control measures where necessary to ensure continuity of traffic flow.
Bakare-Oki stressed that the expected surge in festive traffic requires stronger collaboration among relevant government agencies and stakeholders. To achieve this, LASTMA will deepen operational cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, and other stakeholders for coordinated traffic control, emergency response, and accident evacuation.
He appealed to motorists, particularly commercial drivers, articulated vehicle and tanker operators, to exercise caution and strictly obey traffic regulations. Bakare-Oki specifically warned against speeding, reckless overtaking, driving against traffic, and indiscriminate loading and off-loading.
The General Manager urged members of the public to report crashes, vehicle breakdowns, and other traffic incidents through LASTMA's toll-free short code 3367 to enable rapid intervention. He assured Lagos residents and visitors that the agency remains committed to maintaining safe, efficient, and resilient traffic movement throughout the Ember Months and festive season.
Bakare-Oki emphasised that achieving seamless movement during this period will require not only professional traffic management and inter-agency coordination but also responsible behaviour by all road users. He advised motorists to conduct thorough checks on their vehicles before embarking on long-distance journeys, particularly the braking system, tyres, lights, and other critical components.
Key points
- LASTMA introduces 24-hour traffic management strategy for Ember Months.
- Motorists warned against reckless driving, speeding, and indiscriminate parking.
- LASTMA to strengthen accident and incident management system.
