The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic offences during a weekend enforcement operation across major traffic flashpoints in the state. The agency disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, saying the……
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic offences during a weekend enforcement operation across major traffic flashpoints in the state.
The agency disclosed this in a statement signed by its Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, saying the operation covered Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.
LASTMA said the exercise was aimed at restoring order and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations, particularly in areas where persistent violations by motorists and commercial bus operators have continued to disrupt the free flow of traffic and endanger road users.
The agency said it was particularly concerned about the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.
It described the practice as dangerous, warning that motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge could be caught unaware by vehicles unlawfully reversing against the prescribed direction of traffic.
“Motorists and other legitimate road users approaching the bridge may have little or no forewarning that a commercial vehicle is unlawfully reversing against the prescribed direction of traffic, thereby creating an extremely hazardous situation with the potential to precipitate devastating collisions, injuries and fatalities,” LASTMA said.
The enforcement operation was, however, met with resistance from some individuals, with the agency reporting that some of its personnel were physically assaulted and injured while carrying out their duties.
LASTMA also said some suspected miscreants and hoodlums who allegedly attacked its officers and damaged operational vehicles were apprehended during the exercise.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the enforcement as a necessary intervention to curb what he called a growing culture of impunity among some road users and restore discipline along critical traffic corridors.
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Bakare-Oki said the agency had repeatedly warned transport operators, commercial bus drivers and other road users against using under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and unauthorised locations as illegal garages.
He said such practices obstruct effective traffic management and pose significant risks to public safety.
The General Manager further stressed that the ongoing enforcement was intended to secure compliance with traffic regulations, deter dangerous driving practices and protect the lives and property of motorists, commuters, pedestrians and other road users.
He 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 urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other stakeholders to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised locations as garages.
The agency warned that further violations would attract appropriate enforcement measures in line with Lagos State traffic laws.
LASTMA also urged members of the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists and other traffic-related offences through its toll-free short code, 3367, to enable prompt intervention and help prevent avoidable incidents on the state’s road network.
The latest enforcement is part of LASTMA’s continuing efforts to tackle traffic violations and improve road safety across Lagos.
