The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 125 commercial buses and 48 privately owned vehicles for indiscriminate parking and obstructing traffic.
The enforcement drive, the agency said, aims to restore traffic discipline and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles across the state. Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, stated that the operation targeted areas such as Idumota, Ijaye Street, Martins, Ereko, Nnamdi Azikiwe by Tom Jones, Ebute-Ero, Oyingbo, Ijora, Adeniji Adele, and Iddo.
According to him, the enforcement underscores LASTMA’s commitment to eliminating traffic congestion and curbing reckless road behaviour, especially among commercial transport operators and private motorists who violate traffic regulations.
Taofiq disclosed that many offenders were apprehended for dangerous activities such as driving against traffic (one-way) and making risky U-turns between Iddo and Idumota to pick up passengers. He noted that these actions have caused several accidents and led to the loss of lives. He further explained that the operation specifically targeted illegal garages, which are major contributors to persistent gridlocks, creating hardship for commuters and residents.
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reaffirmed the state government’s determination to enforce traffic regulations and restore order on Lagos roads.
“The proliferation of illegal garages and indiscriminate obstructions by both commercial and private vehicles remains a significant hindrance to achieving seamless mobility in Lagos,” he said. He emphasised that the enforcement drive serves as a clear warning to all road users that blatant disregard for traffic laws will no longer be tolerated.
“Our goal is to establish a transportation system that is safe, orderly, and efficient for all road users. This enforcement initiative is a crucial step towards achieving that vision,” Bakare-Oki said.
He also highlighted notorious traffic hotspots such as Iddo to Idumota, Oyingbo, Ebute-Ero, and the Adeniji Adele roundabout, which are consistently affected by illegal parking and makeshift garages. He stressed the need for decisive action to address these issues.
“The reckless operations of commercial bus drivers not only disrupt vehicular movement but also pose serious risks to pedestrian safety. LASTMA’s intervention is essential to eliminate these bottlenecks and ensure free traffic flow in critical areas,” he added.
LASTMA assured the public that the operation will gradually extend to other areas plagued by unauthorised parking and related offences. The General Manager urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid penalties.
He also called on the public to report abandoned or broken-down vehicles to LASTMA through the agency’s toll-free hotline, 080000527862.
