The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has intensified enforcement operations across major traffic flashpoints in Lagos, impounding 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic violations during a weekend crackdown in Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.
The exercise was carried out to restore order and ensure compliance with traffic regulations, particularly on routes where persistent violations by motorists and commercial bus operators have continued to disrupt the free flow of traffic and pose risks to road users. Of particular concern to the agency was the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Carter Bridge, a manoeuvre LASTMA described as dangerous to motorists, commuters and pedestrians.
The enforcement operation was met with resistance in some locations, with LASTMA officials reportedly assaulted and injured by miscreants and hoodlums. Some of those involved in the attacks, as well as individuals accused of damaging LASTMA operational vehicles, were apprehended during the exercise.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the enforcement was necessary to curb persistent traffic violations and restore discipline along critical traffic corridors. He also warned commercial bus operators, motorists and other road users against using under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as illegal garages, loading points, parking areas or vehicle repair sites.
Bakare-Oki urged motorists and transport operators to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the occupation of unauthorised garages, warning that further violations would attract enforcement in line with Lagos State traffic laws. He also appealed to members of the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions and other violations through the LASTMA toll-free short code 3367 to enable prompt intervention.
