By Olubunmi Isokpehi
In a bid to control and streamline free flow of traffic in and out of Lagos Island and due to the continuous perennial traffic usually being experienced around Apongbon inwards and outwards Lagos Island, caused by indiscriminate illegal parking of vehicles, garages and parks, 19 additional vehicles were again seized by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
This information was disclosed by the General Manager, (LASTMA) Mr Bolaji Oreagba, in a statement issued signed by the Director Public Affairs unit, Adebayo Taofiq, in Lagos and made available to GLOBAL RAYS Media.
He added, “The on-going total clampdown exercise embarked upon by the Authority was to generally ease off traffic flow to motorists particularly this approaching ‘Ember Months’ across the State.”
The statement reads in parts: “Study conducted revealed that perennial gridlock being experienced by motorists are caused by recalcitrant drivers who do not want to comply with the State Traffic Laws and Regulations.”
Adding, “The on-going total Enforcement exercise which is expected to cover major identified spots is being coordinated by the Core Operations Commands (COC) from LASTMA Headquarters at Oshodi.”
His words: “I must implore law abiding citizens of Lagos State, especially motorists, to adhere strictly to the traffic law of the State in order not to run afoul of the law which has consequences. We must all have a positive attitude towards obeying the law of the State which was made to ensure orderliness and fast-paced socio-economic improvement of individuals, corporate entities and generality of the people”.
However, he assured members of the public of the Authority’s commitment in ensuring free flow of traffic on all the roads.
Oreagba urged drivers and general road users to be compliant with traffic laws, to make the ‘Smart City’ vision achievable in Lagos.
Speaking further, he called on LASTMA officials to be more dedicated on effective traffic monitoring and management across the metropolis.
In the same vein, Mr. Peter Gbejemede, Director of Operations, leader of the team confirmed that immediately after the enforcement operations around Apongbon, CMS and Iyana-Oworo traffic was observed there was immediately free flow for motorists.
He lamented at the rate Of Distressed Structures On Lagos Island and charged that the drivers/owners of these new additional 19 seized vehicles would be arraigned at Lagos Mobile Court to serve as deterrent to others.
