The Lagos State Government, through its Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has reported significant enforcement actions aimed at curbing traffic violations across the metropolis.
From January 2024 to June 2024, LASTMA impounded a staggering 9,370 vehicles due to various alleged traffic offenses, resulting in 256 casualties.
In a recent crackdown, the Traffic Monitoring and Investigation Unit (TMI) of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation impounded an additional 22 vehicles for violating traffic regulations.
The State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, highlighted that the enforcement drive targeted areas including Ikeja, Ogba, Billings Way, and Berger to enhance traffic management and ensure road safety.
Offenses cited during the enforcement included illegal conversion of laybys and walkways into motor parks, unauthorized stopping on highways, indiscriminate parking, and misuse of laybys and walkways as showrooms by car dealers.
Osiyemi reiterated the ministry’s commitment to daily monitoring and apprehension of violators to maintain smooth traffic flow and safeguard motorists.
He praised the state task force for its efforts in cracking down on illegal transport activities and urged residents to comply with traffic laws to foster a safer and more orderly traffic environment.
In a stakeholders’ meeting, LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed that 3,034 private vehicles, including 1,849 cars, 549 buses, and 636 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), were impounded during the period, alongside the recording of 256 casualties.
He urged motorists to adhere strictly to traffic rules and respect traffic managers.
Bakare-Oki highlighted LASTMA’s efforts in personnel training, with over 2,000 staff trained internally and externally.
He emphasized training collaborations with the Nigerian Police, Lagos Command, where over 900 personnel received external training.
Additionally, more than 1,200 traffic officers underwent training on leadership, emotional intelligence, customer care, and incident management from various consultants.
To enhance service delivery and public engagement, Bakare-Oki announced the forthcoming launch of LASTMA’s toll-free call center, accommodating English, Yoruba, and Pidgin languages for effective public feedback.
Regarding enforcement operations, LASTMA cleared congested areas such as the Apapa Port area and Iyana-Ipaja, as well as Idumota, Apogbon, CMS, and the Lekki-Ajah axis.
These efforts aimed to improve traffic orderliness and reduce travel time during peak periods across the state.
Bakare-Oki reaffirmed LASTMA’s commitment to enhancing traffic management through the deployment of over 2,000 traffic equipment and ongoing enforcement measures across Lagos State.