The Lagos State Visitors Administration Authority (LASTMA) has intensified its crackdown on unlawful roadside actions, impounding 155 autos, together with tricycles and closely loaded vehicles, discovered working unauthorised garages and parks throughout the Lagos Island axis.
The big-scale operation, supervised by the Particular Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Sola Giwa, focused illegal garages, roadside shanties, and casual buying and selling spots which have change into sources of gridlock, environmental degradation and insecurity for residents and commuters.
Confirming the event in a press release yesterday, Mr Adebayo Taofiq, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Division of LASTMA, acknowledged that the enforcement aligns with the company’s 24-hour visitors administration and management mandate.
Giwa acknowledged that the operation varieties a part of the Lagos State authorities’s broader technique to reinforce mobility, implement compliance, and keep visitors sanity earlier than, throughout, and after the forthcoming festive season.
He reaffirmed the dedication of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to take care of legislation and order throughout all transport corridors via strict enforcement of visitors rules and a zero-tolerance coverage towards infractions.
“Unlawful garages, unregulated markets, and roadside shanties have persistently undermined our collective aspiration for a easy and orderly visitors system in Lagos,” Giwa stated. “These impoundments ship a robust and unequivocal sign that the state authorities will now not condone any illegal exercise able to disrupting public order or endangering lives and property.”
He defined that the enforcement goals to advertise a secure, clear, and orderly city atmosphere for motorists and pedestrians whereas restoring self-discipline to key visitors corridors.
The operation coated main flashpoints together with Ebute-Ero, Oke-Arin Market, Odofin Avenue, Elegbata, and Marina (Oando Underneath Bridge), which have lengthy been infamous for gridlock brought on by unauthorised parking, indiscriminate buying and selling, and makeshift garages.
Authorities famous that these unlawful actions not solely hinder vehicular motion but additionally pose security dangers to pedestrians and bonafide enterprise operators.
Residents and enterprise homeowners in affected areas recommended the federal government’s motion, describing it as well timed and crucial for reclaiming the town’s aesthetics and making certain security.
Giwa assured that the enforcement can be sustained and expanded to different elements of the state the place related infractions persist. He urged motorists, merchants, and transport operators to adjust to visitors and environmental rules, stressing that voluntary compliance stays key to an environment friendly transport system.
He additional suggested motorists to report broken-down or deserted autos, trailers, or vehicles to LASTMA by way of its emergency hotline.
“The final word imaginative and prescient of the Lagos State authorities is to bequeath to its residents a safer, cleaner, and extra habitable metropolis. Adherence to visitors rules shouldn’t be merely a authorized necessity however a shared civic duty,” he stated.
