Dare Babalola
As the festive season approaches, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has cautioned residents, religious bodies, and event organisers against obstructing roads in Lagos State.
General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued this warning in a statement signed by the agency’s Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Adebayo Taofiq, on Sunday.
Taofiq disclosed that Bakare-Oki issued this caution over the weekend while on an inspection tour accompanied by top management team of the Agency to all major traffic prone corridors across the State
The agency lamented that celebrants and event planners often take over roads, obstructing traffic and causing unnecessary congestion, safety concerns, and distress for commuters.
LASTMA emphasised that all roads, whether major or minor, are public assets that must remain accessible and should not be taken over for private or religious events.
“Similarly, proprietors of event centres, lounges, clubs and allied recreational establishments especially those operating within high-traffic precincts such as Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Lekki, Shongotedo and contiguous environs have been unequivocally instructed to provide adequate, well-coordinated parking arrangements for their clientele.
“Facilities whose patrons habitually spill vehicles onto major thoroughfares stand liable to rigorous enforcement measures, heavy sanctions and potential closure as mandated by extant traffic statutes,” the statement added.
Bakare-Oki reiterated LASTMA’s commitment to ensuring smooth traffic flow and free movement of people, goods, and services during the festive season.
He said LASTMA will step up surveillance, increase visibility, and implement proactive traffic management to prevent roadblocks, curb illegal parking, and enforce traffic rules during the festive season.
The General Manager urged residents and event organizers to plan responsibly by obtaining necessary permits, making adequate logistical arrangements, and cooperating with LASTMA and other agencies for a smooth festive season.
He further reiterated that the Agency will not hesitate to invoke the full force of the law against any individual, organisation or establishment that violates traffic regulations or compromises the collective right of Lagosians to unobstructed mobility.
Bakare-Oki additionally disclosed that LASTMA has fortified its operational architecture to ensure rapid response to emergencies, traffic incidents and the swift clearance of broken-down vehicles across every corridor of the State.
