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 operation covered Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu, with a particular focus on motorists driving against traffic, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised locations as garages.
According to LASTMA spokesperson, Adebayo Taofiq, the enforcement was prompted by persistent violations that have continued to threaten road safety and obstruct the free movement of traffic.
Of particular concern was the practice by some commercial bus drivers of reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo towards Idumota through Cater Bridge.
LASTMA described the practice as extremely dangerous, warning that motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge could be caught unaware, potentially resulting in serious collisions, injuries or fatalities.
The operation was, however, met with resistance in some locations as hoodlums allegedly attacked LASTMA officials, injuring some personnel and damaging operational vehicles. Some of those involved in the attacks were apprehended.
The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the enforcement was necessary to curb what he described as a growing culture of impunity among some road users and restore order on critical traffic corridors.
Bakare-Oki also warned commercial bus operators and other motorists against occupying under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as garages.
He said such activities obstruct traffic management and pose risks to public safety, stressing that no individual or group would be allowed to appropriate public roads, bridges or under-bridge spaces for loading, parking, vehicle repairs or garage operations.
LASTMA urged motorists, transport unions and other stakeholders to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised garages.
The agency warned that further violations would attract enforcement in line with Lagos State traffic laws.
Members of the public were also advised to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions and other violations through LASTMA’s toll-free short code, 3367, to enable prompt intervention.