The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles during a weekend crackdown on one-way driving, illegal garages and other traffic offences across Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.
A statement by the agency said the operation was carried out as part of the agency’s efforts to restore order on major traffic corridors and ensure compliance with traffic regulations, particularly in areas where repeated violations by motorists and commercial bus operators have continued to affect road safety and the free movement of vehicles.
LASTMA said one of the major concerns observed during the operation was the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.
The agency described the practice as dangerous because motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge may have little or no warning that a commercial vehicle is unlawfully moving in the opposite direction.
“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,” the agency said.
The operation was, however, met with resistance from some individuals, with LASTMA personnel physically attacked and injured while carrying out their duties.
Some of the miscreants and hoodlums who allegedly attacked officers and damaged the agency’s operational vehicles during the exercise were apprehended.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the operation as a necessary and long-overdue intervention to address what he described as a growing disregard for traffic regulations and restore order along major traffic routes.
“The Agency had repeatedly cautioned transport operators, commercial bus drivers and other road users against occupying under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and unauthorised locations as illegal garages, stressing that such practices constitute serious impediments to effective traffic management and pose considerable risks to public safety,” Bakare-Oki stated.
The General Manager said the ongoing campaign was aimed at improving compliance with traffic regulations, discouraging dangerous driving practices and protecting the lives and property of motorists, commuters, pedestrians and other road users.
He added that no individual or group would be allowed to take over public roads, bridges or under-bridge spaces for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs or garage operations.
LASTMA therefore urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other stakeholders to stop one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised garages or under-bridge areas.
The agency warned that further violations would attract appropriate enforcement measures under existing Lagos State traffic laws.
Members of the public were also urged to remain alert and report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists and other traffic violations through the LASTMA toll-free short code.
The agency said prompt reports would enable it to respond quickly and help prevent avoidable incidents on Lagos roads.
