Several officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have been injured after motorists and suspected miscreants allegedly attacked enforcement officials during a weekend traffic operation in Lagos.
The agency also impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic offences during the exercise, which covered major traffic flashpoints across the state.
LASTMA disclosed that some of those allegedly involved in the attacks were arrested, while operational vehicles belonging to the agency were damaged during the confrontation.
The enforcement exercise, LASTMA further disclosed, targeted traffic offenders at Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu, where officials moved against motorists involved in one-way driving, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the operation of unauthorised garages.
LASTMA warns against dangerous reversing on Cater Bridge
One of the major concerns identified during the enforcement exercise was the practice of commercial bus drivers reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.
LASTMA described the practice as dangerous, warning that motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge could be caught unaware by vehicles moving in the wrong direction.
The agency said the practice poses a significant risk to road users and could result in avoidable accidents, particularly along busy traffic corridors.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the enforcement operation was necessary to address persistent traffic violations and restore order on critical roads across the state.
Bakare-Oki disclosed that the agency had repeatedly warned transport operators, commercial bus drivers and other road users against converting under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations into illegal garages.
He explained that such activities obstruct traffic flow and expose motorists, commuters and pedestrians to unnecessary danger.
LASTMA vows action against illegal garages
The LASTMA boss maintained that the agency would not tolerate individuals or groups taking over public roads, bridges and under-bridge spaces for unauthorised activities.
He specifically warned against the use of such locations for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs and garage operations.
According to him, the enforcement exercise forms part of efforts to ensure compliance with Lagos State traffic regulations and prevent the continued obstruction of public roads by transport operators.
Bakare-Oki urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other stakeholders to comply with traffic regulations and desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised garages.
He warned that motorists and transport operators who continue to violate traffic laws would face appropriate sanctions under existing Lagos State traffic legislation.
Residents urged to report traffic violations
LASTMA also appealed to members of the public to assist in tackling traffic offences by promptly reporting dangerous driving, reckless motorists, traffic obstructions and other violations.
The agency advised residents to use its toll-free short code, 767, to report incidents requiring traffic officials’ attention.
It said timely reports from members of the public would enable its personnel to respond quickly to traffic situations and help prevent avoidable accidents and other road incidents.
