The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has intensified its traffic advocacy campaign with an engagement of transportation unions and other stakeholders across the Ikeja axis of the state.

The initiative is aimed at promoting voluntary compliance with traffic regulations, responsible road use and improved traffic management, as the agency seeks to complement enforcement with sustained public enlightenment.

During the engagement, LASTMA officials sensitised transport union leaders and members on the need for disciplined driving, proper loading and offloading, responsible parking and other practices that could contribute to traffic congestion or endanger road users.

The agency specifically urged commercial drivers to avoid indiscriminate parking, illegal U-turns, obstruction of traffic lanes, reckless overtaking, picking up or dropping passengers at unauthorised locations and driving against traffic.

LASTMA also used the engagement to hear operational challenges confronting transport operators, while providing clarification on traffic regulations, enforcement procedures and channels for resolving traffic-related complaints.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said sustainable traffic management could not be achieved through enforcement alone, stressing the importance of continuous advocacy, consultation and collaboration with transport stakeholders.

Bakare-Oki described transportation unions as strategic partners in influencing the conduct of commercial drivers and promoting traffic discipline across Lagos.

“Our objective is not merely to enforce compliance but to cultivate understanding, responsibility and voluntary adherence to the law,” he said.

He urged union leaders to institutionalise regular sensitisation of their members, particularly on the consequences of traffic violations and the wider impact of indiscipline on motorists and other road users.

LASTMA appealed to transport operators, motorists and other road users to view traffic regulations as measures designed to protect lives, prevent avoidable crashes and ensure the smooth movement of people and goods across Lagos.

The agency said the Ikeja engagement formed part of its renewed effort to deepen grassroots traffic advocacy and strengthen cooperation with key stakeholders in managing the state’s increasingly complex road network.