The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded over 100 private and commercial vehicles for operating illegal parking and garages on bridges across the state.
The enforcement operations were led by the Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Transportation, Sola Giwa.
The impounded vehicles were contravened at the Ejalonibu, Obalende, Apongbon Ebute-Ero, and Idumota (Cater) bridges on Lagos Island.
This action was taken following the expiration of a 7-day ‘Vacation Order’ issued to motorists and commercial bus drivers to vacate all illegal parking and garages on top bridges.
The operations aimed to remove every infraction impeding the free flow of traffic on bridges.
Giwa expressed his disapproval of the situation, stating that it was nauseating to see private and commercial bus drivers create a public nuisance by operating illegal parking and garages on bridges, causing avoidable traffic gridlock and inconveniencing other motorists and road users.
He maintained that the activities of the commercial bus drivers are contrary to the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
Giwa disclosed that all these contravened vehicles would be immediately charged to the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecution.
The enforcement operations will continue until zero tolerance for the activities of these commercial bus drivers operating illegal parking and garages on top bridges is achieved in line with the ‘Theme+’ agenda of the present administration.
“We would continue to ensure the free flow of traffic movement by scaling up our enforcement and clampdown operations on these stubborn private and commercial bus drivers,” Giwa stated.