The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles during a weekend enforcement operation targeting one-way driving, illegal garages, and other traffic violations at major hotspots across the state.
The operation, which spanned areas including Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain, and Onipanu, aimed to restore order and ensure compliance with Lagos traffic regulations.
A particular concern for LASTMA was the dangerous practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota via Cater Bridge. The agency warned that such actions pose severe risks, as motorists, commuters, and pedestrians may have little warning of vehicles unlawfully reversing into oncoming traffic—potentially leading to serious accidents, injuries, or fatalities.
The enforcement effort faced resistance in some locations, with reports of LASTMA officers being attacked and injured by miscreants opposed to the operation. Some perpetrators were apprehended after allegedly assaulting personnel and damaging agency vehicles.
LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the enforcement as a necessary measure to address the growing disregard for traffic rules along vital corridors. He reiterated the agency’s prohibition against using under-bridge spaces, road setbacks, and other unauthorized locations as illegal garages, noting that such activities obstruct traffic and endanger road users.
Bakare-Oki emphasized that public roads, bridges, and under-bridge spaces will not be allowed for unauthorized vehicle loading, parking, repairs, or garage operations. He urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions, and other road users to refrain from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading, and operating illegal garages. He warned that further violations would attract enforcement action in accordance with Lagos State traffic laws.
LASTMA also called on the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists, and other violations through its toll-free short code, 3367, to help the agency respond swiftly and prevent avoidable incidents on Lagos roads.
