Illegal Parking: LASTMA impounds 125 commercial, 48 private vehicles

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have apprehended 125 recalcitrant commercial buses and 48 privately owned vehicles for flagrant violations, including unauthorised parking and severe road obstructions.

This sweeping crackdown was executed across notorious gridlock-prone corridors such as Idumota, Ijaye Street, Martins, Ereko, Nnamdi Azikiwe by Tom Jones, Ebute-Ero, Oyingbo, Ijora, Adeniji Adele, and Iddo.

The latest enforcement underscores LASTMA’s unwavering commitment to eradicating traffic congestion and mitigating reckless road practices, particularly among commercial transport operators and private motorists who flout established regulations.

Many of the offenders were found engaging in hazardous practices, including driving against traffic and reversing to pick up passengers, contributing to road accidents.

The operation also focused on illegal garages, which often create gridlocks and disrupt traffic flow

LASTMA’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who led the crackdown, said it was done under the directive of the Governor’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Sola Giwa.

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Bakare-Oki also said that the government is committed to improving the city’s transport infrastructure and maintaining order on the roads.

“The state government remains resolute in its enforcement of traffic regulations and the restoration of order on our roads. The proliferation of illegal garages and indiscriminate obstructions by both commercial and private vehicles continues to be a formidable impediment to our goal of achieving seamless mobility within Lagos,” he said.

He added that the stringent enforcement measures serve as an unequivocal warning to all road users that flagrant disregard for traffic laws will no longer be tolerated.

“Our ultimate objective is to cultivate a transportation ecosystem that is safe, orderly, and highly efficient for all road users. This enforcement drive represents a pivotal step toward actualizing that vision,” Bakare-Oki reiterated.

He noted that notorious congestion hotspots such as Iddo to Idumota, Oyingbo, Ebute-Ero, and the Adeniji Adele roundabout have been perpetually plagued by illegal parking and the proliferation of makeshift garages—an issue that must be decisively addressed.

“The indiscriminate operations of commercial bus drivers not only obstruct vehicular movement but also constitute a grave hazard to pedestrian safety. LASTMA’s intervention is imperative to dismantle these bottlenecks and facilitate seamless traffic circulation in these critical locations,” he added.

The General Manager urged all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to avoid punitive measures.

He also called on the public to actively contribute to maintaining order by promptly reporting abandoned or broken-down trailers and trucks to LASTMA via the agency’s toll-free hotline: 080000527862.