LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles in crackdown on one-way driving, illegal garages

Crime Diary, News

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has intensified enforcement operations across identified traffic flashpoints in the state, impounding 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic violations during a weekend crackdown in Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.

The enforcement exercise was aimed at restoring order and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations, particularly along corridors where persistent violations by motorists and commercial bus operators have continued to affect road safety and the free flow of traffic.

In a statement on Sunday, LASTMA Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, said the agency was particularly concerned about the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.

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He described the practice as dangerous, saying motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge could have little or no warning that a commercial vehicle was unlawfully reversing against the prescribed direction of traffic.

According to LASTMA, such manoeuvres could result in serious collisions, injuries and fatalities.

The enforcement operation, however, encountered resistance from some individuals, with LASTMA personnel reportedly assaulted and injured while carrying out their duties.

The agency said some individuals who attacked its personnel and damaged operational vehicles were apprehended.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr 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.

Bakare-Oki reiterated that 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 risks to public safety.

The general manager said the sustained enforcement campaign was aimed at ensuring compliance with traffic regulations, deterring hazardous driving practices and protecting the lives and property of motorists, commuters, pedestrians and other road users.

He stressed 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 occupation of unauthorised garages or under-bridge locations.

The agency warned that further violations would attract appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with Lagos State traffic laws.

Members of the public were also urged to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists and other traffic-related violations through the LASTMA toll-free short code 3367, to enable the agency to respond promptly and prevent avoidable incidents across the state’s road network.