By Peace Udugba -The Daily Torch Media
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 Lagos traffic corridors.
The vehicles were impounded at Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu as LASTMA intensified efforts to restore order and ensure compliance with Lagos State traffic regulations.
The enforcement operation focused particularly on persistent violations by commercial bus operators and motorists, including driving against traffic, dangerous reversing, illegal parking and indiscriminate loading.
LASTMA expressed concern over the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo towards Idumota through Cater Bridge, describing the manoeuvre as a serious threat to motorists, commuters and pedestrians.
According to the agency, vehicles reversing unlawfully against traffic could catch other road users off guard and potentially result in collisions, injuries or fatalities.
The enforcement exercise was also met with resistance in some locations, with LASTMA officials reportedly attacked and injured by some individuals described by the agency as miscreants and hoodlums. Some suspects were apprehended after allegedly attacking personnel and damaging LASTMA operational vehicles.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the enforcement was necessary to address persistent violations and restore discipline along critical traffic corridors.
Bakare-Oki also warned transport operators and other road users against using under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as illegal garages.
He said the sustained enforcement campaign would continue to target dangerous driving practices and other activities capable of obstructing traffic and endangering motorists, commuters and pedestrians.
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 use of unauthorised locations as garages.
LASTMA advised members of the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions and other traffic violations through its toll-free short code 3367 to enable prompt intervention.
