Crackdown on Illegal Parking: LASTMA Impounds 173 Vehicles

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has arrested 125 commercial buses and 48 privately owned vehicles for serious infractions, including unauthorized parking and significant road blockages. 

In a statement shared on its X account on Thursday, the operation was led by LASTMA‘s General Manager, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, following directives from the Governor’s Special Adviser on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa. 

Bakare-Oki noted that the enforcement took place in areas known for heavy traffic congestion, such as Idumota, Ijaye Street, Martins, Ereko, Nnamdi Azikiwe by Tom Jones, Ebute-Ero, Oyingbo, Ijora, Adeniji Adele, and Iddo. He mentioned that notorious congestion points like Iddo to Idumota, Oyingbo, Ebute-Ero, and the Adeniji Adele roundabout have consistently suffered from illegal parking and the rise of makeshift garages, emphasizing that this issue must be tackled decisively. 

“This rigorous enforcement highlights LASTMA’s firm commitment to eliminating chronic traffic congestion and reducing reckless road behaviors, particularly among commercial transport operators and private drivers who disregard established rules. 

“A significant number of offenders were found engaging in dangerous actions, such as driving against traffic (one-way) and making hazardous reversals from Iddo to Idumota to pick up passengers—reckless behaviors that have led to numerous road accidents and unnecessary loss of lives,” he stated. 

According to the LASTMA head, the initiative specifically targeted unauthorized garages that have long contributed to persistent gridlocks, causing undue hardship for commuters and residents. He reaffirmed that this crackdown is part of a continuous effort aligned with the Lagos state government’s broader vision to enhance the efficiency of the city’s transportation infrastructure.

“The state government remains resolute in its enforcement of traffic regulations and the restoration of order on our roads.

“The proliferation of illegal garages and indiscriminate obstructions by both commercial and private vehicles continues to be a formidable impediment to our goal of achieving seamless mobility within Lagos,” he asserted.

“These stringent enforcement measures serve as an unequivocal warning to all road users that flagrant disregard for traffic laws will no longer be tolerated.

“Our ultimate objective is to cultivate a transportation ecosystem that is safe, orderly, and highly efficient for all road users. This enforcement drive represents a pivotal step toward actualizing that vision,” Bakare-Oki reiterated.

Similarly, he mentioned that the reckless actions of commercial bus drivers not only hinder vehicle movement but also pose a serious threat to pedestrian safety. 

“LASTMA’s intervention is crucial to eliminate these obstructions and ensure smooth traffic flow in these vital areas,” he remarked. 

In reaction to the initiative, he noted that residents and business owners have shown strong support, recognizing its significant effect on improving daily travel and boosting commercial activities. 

LASTMA also assured the public that this operation would be methodically expanded to other regions affected by unauthorized parking and similar violations. 

The general manager urged all drivers to strictly follow traffic laws and cooperate with authorities to avoid penalties.