LASTMA Impounds 84 Vehicles In Crackdown On One-Way Driving, Illegal Garages
OLORUNDARE ENIMOLA, Lagos
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic offences during a weekend enforcement operation across Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.
The exercise targeted one-way driving, illegal parking, unauthorised garages and other traffic violations that have continued to disrupt traffic flow and endanger road users in the affected areas.
According to LASTMA, the operation was aimed at restoring order and ensuring compliance with traffic regulations along critical corridors where persistent violations by commercial bus operators and other motorists have become commonplace.
The agency expressed particular concern over the growing practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic from Iddo to Idumota through Carter Bridge, describing the act as highly dangerous and capable of causing fatal crashes.
LASTMA noted that unsuspecting motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge could be caught off guard by vehicles reversing against the designated direction of traffic, thereby increasing the risk of collisions and injuries.
The enforcement exercise, however, turned violent as some suspected hoodlums and miscreants allegedly attacked LASTMA officials, injuring some personnel and damaging operational vehicles while officers carried out their duties. The agency said some of the suspects involved in the attacks were arrested.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the operation as a necessary intervention to address what he called the growing culture of impunity among road users.
He reiterated that the agency had repeatedly warned transport operators and commercial bus drivers against converting under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations into illegal garages, stressing that such activities obstruct traffic and pose serious safety risks.
Bakare-Oki said the enforcement campaign would continue to ensure compliance with traffic laws, discourage dangerous driving practices and protect the lives and property of residents.
He warned that no individual or group would be allowed to use public roads, bridges or under-bridge spaces for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs or garage operations.
The agency urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other stakeholders to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the occupation of unauthorised garages.
LASTMA also encouraged members of the public to report reckless driving, traffic obstructions and other traffic-related offences through its toll-free emergency short code, 3367, for prompt response.
