Lagos traffic agency seizes 84 vehicles in weekend enforcement drive

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority says it impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles during a weekend enforcement operation in parts of the state. The agency said the vehicles were seized for various traffic offences. The operation covered Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu.

According to LASTMA, officers focused in particular on commercial buses reversing against traffic on the one-way route from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge. LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki said the practice created a serious danger for motorists and pedestrians. He said drivers approaching the bridge might not see a bus unlawfully moving backwards towards them, increasing the risk of collisions, injuries and deaths.

The agency also reported that some of its officers were assaulted during the enforcement operation and that operational vehicles were damaged. Bakare-Oki said people suspected of attacking officers and damaging the vehicles had been arrested. He warned transport operators against using spaces beneath bridges, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as garages.

LASTMA said such activity could obstruct traffic and contribute to unsafe road conditions. The agency referred to sanctions under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, covering offences including illegal parking, route violations and disobedience to traffic-control personnel. It urged motorists to avoid driving against traffic, dangerous reversing and indiscriminate loading, and asked the public to report dangerous driving and obstruction through the toll-free code 3367.