Nigeria: Illegal parking: Lagos blocks over 100 vehicles on bridge
By Ahmad Hadizat Omayoza, Mamos Nigeria
Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, have impounded over 100 vehicles, including private and commercial vehicles, over illegal parking on top bridges across the state.
The enforcement followed the expiration of a seven-day `Vacation Order` issued on Monday, October 16, 2023, to motorists, particularly commercial bus drivers, to desist from operating and vacate bridges across the state.
The Special Adviser to the State Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, who led the enforcement operations, explained that the exercise aimed at totally removing every infraction impeding the free flow of traffic on bridges and enforcing the law against illegal parking.
Giwa maintained that the activities of those recalcitrant private owners and commercial bus drivers are contrary to the provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018.
He stated that those vehicles were impounded at areas such as the Ejalonibu, Obalende, Apongbon Ebute-Ero, and Idumota (Cater) bridges on Lagos Island.
Mr Giwa said motorists were causing a public nuisance by operating illegal parking spaces and garages on bridges, thereby causing avoidable congestion and harming other motorists and road users. He said the threat was “disgusting” because it was causing inconvenience to people.
According to the Special Adviser, “This enforcement action, in line with the current government’s ‘Theme+’ agenda, will target the activities of these commercial bus drivers who operate illegal parking and depots on bridges. It will continue to be implemented until tolerance is achieved.
“We will continue to ensure the free flow of traffic by intensifying enforcement and enforcement against these persistent private and commercial bus drivers.”
“Thus, all injuries The vehicle will be immediately reported to the Lagos State Mobile Court for appropriate action. “Legal Action”
