The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 vehicles during a weekend enforcement operation targeting traffic violations and illegal garages across parts of the state.
The operation covered Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu, with the agency focusing on motorists and commercial transport operators accused of violating traffic regulations and obstructing the free flow of vehicles.
One of the major concerns identified by LASTMA was the practice of commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way section from Iddo towards Idumota through Carter Bridge.
The agency said the manoeuvre posed significant risks to motorists, passengers and pedestrians, particularly because vehicles approaching from the opposite direction could be caught off guard.
The enforcement exercise was also targeted at the use of under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as illegal garages and loading points.
LASTMA personnel reportedly faced resistance during the operation, with some officers assaulted and injured while carrying out the enforcement.
The agency also said some suspected miscreants and hoodlums who allegedly attacked its personnel and damaged operational vehicles were arrested.
Confirming the exercise, LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the enforcement was necessary to restore discipline and address what he described as a growing culture of non-compliance among some road users.
Bakare-Oki warned commercial bus operators, motorists and other road users against using public roads, bridges and under-bridge spaces for illegal parking, loading, vehicle repairs or garage operations.
He said the sustained enforcement was aimed at improving compliance with traffic regulations, discouraging dangerous driving practices and protecting motorists, commuters and pedestrians.
The LASTMA boss urged transport operators, unions and other stakeholders to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised locations as garages.
He warned that motorists who violate traffic regulations would face appropriate enforcement measures under existing Lagos State traffic laws.
The agency also urged members of the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions and other violations through the LASTMA toll-free short code, 3367, to enable prompt intervention.
