LASTMA impounds 84 vehicles in traffic enforcement

By Purity Francis

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 vehicles for various traffic offences during an enforcement operation across parts of Lagos State.

The operation was carried out in Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu, as part of efforts to curb traffic violations and improve road safety.

According to LASTMA, one of the major violations observed during the exercise was the practice by commercial bus operators of reversing against traffic from Iddo to Idumota through Carter Bridge. The agency said the practice was dangerous as motorists and pedestrians approaching from the opposite direction might not be aware that a vehicle was reversing towards them, thereby increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.

The enforcement team also encountered resistance from some members of the public during the operation.

Some LASTMA officials were reportedly attacked and injured, while some operational vehicles belonging to the agency were damaged. The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the enforcement was necessary to check violations of traffic regulations and ensure safer roads for motorists and other road users.

Bakare-Oki warned motorists and commercial bus operators against using under-bridge areas, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as garages or parking spaces.

He also urged motorists and transport operators to desist from driving against traffic, dangerous reversing, illegal parking and indiscriminate loading.

The LASTMA boss said the agency would continue to enforce traffic regulations in order to promote orderliness and safety on Lagos roads.