The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic infractions during a weekend enforcement operation at Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.
The enforcement operation targeted persistent traffic violations and was aimed at improving compliance with traffic regulations and maintaining the free flow of traffic along the affected corridors.
The agency, in a statement on Sunday by its Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Taofiq Adebayo, said particular attention was given to the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.
Adebayo said the practice posed a risk to other motorists, commuters and pedestrians, as vehicles approaching the bridge might encounter buses moving unlawfully against the direction of traffic.
He said the enforcement exercise was met with resistance in some locations, as some LASTMA personnel were attacked and injured while carrying out their duties.
The spokesman said some miscreants who allegedly attacked its personnel and damaged operational vehicles during the exercise were apprehended.
According to him, the General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, described the enforcement as necessary to address persistent traffic violations and improve discipline along critical traffic corridors.
Bakare-Oki said the agency had repeatedly warned transport operators, commercial bus drivers and other road users against occupying under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as illegal garages.
He said such practices obstruct traffic management and create risks for other road users.
The General Manager said the agency would sustain enforcement to promote compliance with traffic regulations and discourage dangerous driving practices.
He added that no individual or group would be allowed to use public roads, bridges or under-bridge spaces for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs or garage operations.
LASTMA urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other road users to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised locations as garages.
The agency warned that further violations would attract appropriate enforcement measures in line with Lagos State traffic laws.
Members of the public were also urged to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists and other traffic infractions through the LASTMA toll-free short code, 3367, to enable the agency to respond promptly.
