Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) in continuation of its general enforcement operations impounded over 123 vehicles for illegal parking around bridges across Lagos .
The agency stated that the exercise was to unlock every traffic bottleneck across the state.
According to the General Manager of LASTMA Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who led the combined enforcement team with security personnel, said that the exercise was carried out based on the directive of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation Hon. Sola Giwa.
“The Agency swung into action after several warning issued to both private and commercial bus drivers to stop indiscriminate parking/illegal garages around bridges was not complied with.
“These 123 vehicles were impounded around Ebute-Ero by Idumota Bridge, Simpson bridge, Apongbon under Bridge and Elegbata area of Lagos Island area of the state”
He stated that It was nauseating seeing private and commercial bus drivers constituting public nuisance by parking at free will around bridges thereby causing avoidable gridlock and inconvenience to other motorists and road users who want to use bridges to link up with other parts of the state.
Oki said that they would continue to ensure free flow of traffic by scaling up enforcement and clampdown on stubborn private and commercial bus drivers.
Meanwhile, 19 notorious hoodlums were arrested during enforcement operation over illegal collection of parking dues from innocent motorists.
Investigations revealed that the hoodluns impersonated themselves as approved government agents with fake identity cards to extorts innocent motorists including illegal traders who sells by road sides.
The General Manager further added that owners / drivers of the 123 vehicles including 19 arrested hoodlums would be prosecuted at the Lagos State Mobile Court for contravening the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.