LASTMA Impounds 84 Vehicles in Lagos One-Way, Illegal Garage Crackdown

 LASTMA Impounds 84 Vehicles in Lagos One-Way, Illegal Garage Crackdown

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 Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.

The operation was carried out as part of efforts to restore order and ensure compliance with Lagos State traffic regulations, particularly at identified traffic flashpoints where persistent violations have continued to disrupt the free flow of traffic and endanger road users.

According to LASTMA, one of the major concerns identified during the exercise was the practice of commercial bus operators reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.

The agency described the practice as highly dangerous, warning that motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge could be caught unaware by vehicles unlawfully reversing against the prescribed direction of traffic.

LASTMA said such manoeuvres could result in serious collisions, injuries and fatalities if left unchecked.

The enforcement exercise also recorded resistance from some individuals, with LASTMA personnel reportedly assaulted and injured while carrying out their statutory duties.

The agency said some suspected miscreants who allegedly attacked officers and damaged LASTMA operational vehicles were apprehended during the operation.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the enforcement as necessary to curb what he called a growing culture of non-compliance among some road users and restore discipline along critical traffic corridors.

Bakare-Oki reiterated the agency's warning against the use of under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as illegal garages.

He said the occupation of public spaces for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs or garage operations obstructs effective traffic management and creates risks to public safety.

The LASTMA boss said the ongoing enforcement campaign would focus on securing compliance with traffic regulations, discouraging dangerous driving practices and protecting motorists, commuters, pedestrians and other road users.

He stressed that individuals or groups would not be allowed to appropriate public roads, bridges or under-bridge spaces for unauthorised activities.

The agency consequently warned 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 said further violations would attract appropriate enforcement measures in line with applicable Lagos State traffic laws.

The agency also urged members of the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists and other traffic violations through its toll-free short code 3367 to enable prompt intervention and help prevent avoidable incidents across the state's road network.

The statement was signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, LASTMA.