The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles during a weekend enforcement operation targeting one-way driving, illegal garages and other traffic violations across major traffic flashpoints in the state.
The exercise covered Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu, with the agency saying the operation was designed to restore order and improve compliance with Lagos traffic regulations.
Of particular concern to LASTMA 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 extremely dangerous, warning that motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge may have little warning of vehicles unlawfully reversing into oncoming traffic, potentially resulting in serious collisions, injuries or fatalities.
The enforcement operation was, however, met with resistance in some locations, with LASTMA officers allegedly attacked and injured by miscreants and hoodlums opposed to the exercise.
According to the agency, some individuals involved in the attacks were apprehended after allegedly assaulting personnel and damaging LASTMA operational vehicles.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the enforcement as a necessary intervention to address what he called a growing culture of disregard for traffic regulations along critical corridors.
Bakare-Oki reiterated the agency’s warnings against using under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as illegal garages.
He said such activities obstruct traffic management and create risks for motorists, commuters and pedestrians.
The LASTMA general manager stressed that public roads, bridges and under-bridge spaces would not be allowed to become unauthorised locations for vehicle loading, parking, repairs or garage operations.
He urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other road users to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised garages.
Bakare-Oki warned that further violations would attract enforcement action in line with existing Lagos State traffic laws.
LASTMA also appealed to members of the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists and other violations through its toll-free short code, 3367, to enable the agency to respond promptly and prevent avoidable incidents on Lagos roads.