The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced preparations for a 24-hour traffic management operation across Lagos as vehicular and pedestrian movements are expected to rise during the Ember months and forthcoming festive season.
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare Oki, disclosed this on Friday, saying the intensified operation would target areas with high traffic volumes and congestion risks across the state.
Oki said LASTMA would increase its presence at major interchanges, bridges, arterial roads, transport terminals, commercial districts and other traffic-prone locations as part of measures to maintain smooth movement during the period.
According to him, the operation will combine enhanced traffic surveillance with rapid incident detection and response, intersection control, traffic flow management and prompt removal of obstructions from roadways.
He said the agency would also strengthen its incident management and traffic diversion measures, particularly to ensure that accidented and broken-down vehicles are quickly evacuated from carriageways.
The LASTMA general manager explained that the swift removal of such vehicles was necessary to prevent secondary crashes and minimise prolonged traffic congestion, particularly on major routes expected to experience increased pressure during the festive period.
To improve the effectiveness of the operation, Bakare Oki said LASTMA would collaborate with key security, emergency response and transport agencies.
The agencies and stakeholders include the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Lagos Ambulance Service Agency (LASA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, transport unions and other relevant bodies.
He said the collaboration would facilitate better coordination of traffic control, emergency response and incident management across the state.
Bakare Oki consequently urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution and strictly comply with traffic regulations throughout the festive season.
He specifically appealed to commercial transport operators, articulated vehicle drivers and tanker drivers to avoid speeding, reckless overtaking, driving against traffic, illegal parking and indiscriminate loading and offloading.
The LASTMA boss also advised motorists travelling long distances to conduct proper checks on their vehicles before embarking on their journeys.
He identified the braking system, tyres and vehicle lights as some of the critical components that should be inspected to reduce the risk of breakdowns and crashes on the highways.
Bakare Oki further encouraged Lagos residents and other road users to report road crashes, vehicle breakdowns and obstructions to LASTMA through its toll-free short code, 3367, to enable the agency respond promptly.
He assured residents, commuters and visitors that LASTMA remained committed to maintaining safe and efficient traffic movement across Lagos throughout the Ember months and festive season.
The intensified operation comes as Lagos traditionally experiences increased movement of people and vehicles towards the end of the year, putting additional pressure on major roads, bridges, commercial centres and transport corridors.
