LASTMA seizes 84 vehicles in Lagos traffic crackdown

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has seized 84 commercial and private vehicles for different traffic offences during an operation in the state.

The operation took place over the weekend in Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain, and Onipanu, according to a statement, Vanguard Newspaper reported on Sunday.

LASTMA said this enforcement targeted traffic violations. This included commercial buses reversing against traffic on the one-way road from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.

The agency’s General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, explained that this practice can endanger both drivers and pedestrians. Vehicles coming towards the bridge may not spot a bus reversing towards them.

“Motorists and other legitimate road users approaching the bridge may have little or no forewarning that a commercial vehicle is unlawfully reversing against the prescribed direction of traffic, thereby creating an extremely hazardous situation with the potential to precipitate devastating collisions, injuries and fatalities,” Mr Bakare-Oki said.

LASTMA also reported that some of its officers were attacked and operational vehicles were damaged during the enforcement.

Mr Bakare-Oki mentioned that people suspected of assaulting the officers and damaging the vehicles were arrested.

He warned transport operators against using under-bridge spaces, road setbacks, and other unauthorized areas as garages. Such actions can cause traffic jams.

The Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, provides penalties for various traffic offences. This includes violations related to designated routes, illegal parking, and disobeying traffic-control personnel.

LASTMA urged drivers to obey traffic rules. They should not drive against traffic, reverse dangerously, park illegally, or load indiscriminately.

It also encouraged the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstruction, and other traffic offences through its toll-free short code, 3367.