The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has stepped up enforcement at major traffic flashpoints across the state, impounding 84 commercial and private vehicles over various traffic violations.
The enforcement operation was carried out in Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu, according to the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki.
Bakare-Oki, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Lagos, said the operation was conducted to restore order and ensure motorists complied with existing traffic regulations.
“The enforcement exercise was principally aimed at restoring sanity, orderliness and strict compliance with extant traffic regulations.
“This is particularly along corridors where persistent violations by recalcitrant motorists and commercial bus operators have continued to pose a formidable threat to road safety and the unhindered movement of traffic,” he said.
The LASTMA boss expressed concern over the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo towards Idumota through Carter Bridge.
He described the practice as dangerous and warned that motorists, passengers and pedestrians could be caught off guard by such manoeuvres.
“This can create an extremely hazardous situation with the potential to precipitate devastating collisions, injuries and fatalities,” he said.
According to him, the agency would continue to focus on locations where repeated traffic violations have created challenges for the free movement of vehicles and the safety of other road users.
LASTMA Officials Attacked During Enforcement
The enforcement exercise was not without resistance, as some individuals reportedly confronted LASTMA personnel during the operation.
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Bakare-Oki said some officials were physically assaulted and injured while carrying out their statutory duties.
He added that some of the suspected miscreants and hoodlums who attacked LASTMA personnel and damaged the agency’s operational vehicles were apprehended.
The development comes amid continued efforts by the traffic management authority to enforce traffic regulations and discourage motorists from engaging in practices that could endanger other road users.
The agency has repeatedly warned motorists and transport operators against using spaces under bridges, road setbacks and other unauthorised areas as illegal garages.
Agency Warns Against Illegal Garages
Bakare-Oki reiterated LASTMA’s position on the use of unauthorised locations for commercial transport activities.
He said occupying under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other prohibited areas as illegal garages created serious obstacles to effective traffic management.
According to him, such activities could also expose members of the public to unnecessary safety risks.
The general manager stressed that the ongoing enforcement campaign was designed not only to ensure compliance with traffic laws but also to discourage dangerous driving habits across Lagos.
He said the objective was to protect the lives and property of motorists, commuters, pedestrians and other road users.
Drivers, Operators Urged To Comply
LASTMA subsequently appealed to commercial bus operators, private motorists, transport unions and other stakeholders to comply with Lagos traffic regulations.
The agency specifically warned road users against driving against traffic, dangerous reversing, illegal parking and indiscriminate loading.
It also urged transport operators to stop using under-bridge areas and other unauthorised locations as garages.
The authority maintained that such practices could interfere with traffic flow and create additional risks for road users.
LASTMA said its enforcement activities would continue in areas identified as traffic flashpoints across the state.
Bakare-Oki warned that motorists and transport operators who continued to violate traffic regulations would face appropriate sanctions.
He reiterated that further infractions would attract enforcement measures in line with existing Lagos State traffic laws.
The agency’s latest operation therefore highlights its renewed focus on traffic violations, particularly those involving one-way driving, dangerous manoeuvres, illegal parking and unauthorised transport activities.
With 84 vehicles impounded during the exercise and some individuals arrested over alleged attacks on officials and damage to operational vehicles, LASTMA said it would sustain efforts to improve order and safety on Lagos roads.