Dare Babalola
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rolled out a comprehensive traffic management plan to ease congestion and ensure smooth movement across the city during the yuletide festivities.
According to Adebayo Taofiq, the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the agency on Sunday, LASTMA “has operationalised an expansive, intelligence-led traffic control architecture purposefully designed to safeguard seamless vehicular movement and enhance public safety across the entire Lagos metropolis”.
The Agency explained that the plan is necessary due to the expected surge in vehicular traffic during yuletide, driven by concerts, carnivals, end-of-year celebrations, religious gatherings, and recreational activities.
LASTMA stated that it boosted operational readiness with seasoned officers, enhanced surveillance, and 24/7 monitoring of key traffic spots, event areas, and major routes.
Speaking on the initiative, the General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki emphatically called on proprietors and operators of event centres, clubs, lounges and other entertainment facilities to institute comprehensive and well-coordinated internal traffic and parking management plans capable of accommodating patrons strictly within their premises. He cautioned that any vehicular spillover onto public roadways capable of triggering obstruction or gridlock will attract firm and decisive enforcement actions, as such practices flagrantly infringe upon the collective right of Lagosians to safe, orderly and unhindered mobility.
In a similar admonition, market leaders, traders’ unions and commercial stakeholders have been enjoined to rein in their members by discontinuing the illegal display of wares on carriageways, walkways and pedestrian corridors. The Agency notes that the encroachment upon these public spaces compels pedestrians to perilously compete for right of way with moving vehicles, thereby heightening the risk of avoidable road crashes and exacerbating traffic congestion.
Furthermore, LASTMA has issued a stern advisory to motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in optimal mechanical condition prior to embarking on any journey during the festive period. The Agency strongly warns against the consumption of alcohol or other intoxicating substances while driving and reiterates the mandatory compliance with government-approved speed limits, stressing that reckless driving remains a major catalyst for road traffic crashes.
The Authority reassures the general public that its enforcement teams will remain alert, proactive and uncompromising in the enforcement of traffic regulations including those relating to illegal parking, road obstruction, speeding and impaired driving throughout the Detty December period and beyond.
LASTMA appeals to all road users to extend full cooperation to traffic officers, adhere strictly to traffic laws and demonstrate patience and civic responsibility, noting that collective compliance is indispensable to achieving a smooth, safe and pleasurable festive season for residents and visitors alike.
Members of the public are encouraged to report traffic-related emergencies or incidents via LASTMA’s toll-free hotline: 0800 005 27862.
In addition, the Agency has strategically deployed high-, medium-, and low-capacity tow trucks across the State particularly along the Lekki–Ajah corridor to ensure swift response to vehicular breakdowns and other unforeseen eventualities.
The Authority further disclosed that the LASTMA 24-Hour Night Gang Duty has been activated to effectively monitor and regulate vehicular movement before, during and after the yuletide season across Lagos State.
