Lagos To Ban Illegal Motor Parks

General Manager, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Mr. Babatunde Edu

The Lagos State Government has warned commercial vehicle operators in the state to either stop creating emergency motor parks or face the wrath of the law.
The government said commercial motorists operating around Idumota and its environs, especially those loading and discharging passengers indiscriminately on the bridge were most guilty of the offence.
It added that the warning became imperative in order to ensure the safety of lives and free flow of traffic, especially as statistics had shown that there was a massive influx of vehicles into the state presently.
A statement on Wednesday said the warning was given at a joint meeting organised by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority and the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and other special Offences for the representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers and cab operators of Idumota Unit in Ikeja.
LASTMA General Manager, Mr. Babatunde Edu, said government was becoming concerned that traffic bottleneck was gradually returning to Idumota due to excesses of traders, commercial drivers and hoodlums.
He said, “Traders, commercial drivers and hoodlums have narrowed the road to suit their undesirable wish, thereby posing a serious security threat to the area.
“Officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority have been ordered to impound vehicles found flouting traffic law to serve as a deterrent to future offenders. Other road users and people living in the area must be protected.”
Chairman of the task force, Bayo Sulaimon, said government had decided not to fold its arms and allow such indiscipline to continue.
He said, “The government has called you (operators) to a meeting so that your unions will work together to finding a lasting solution to the gridlock in that area. Discourage street trading and indiscriminate parking on the roads.”
Chairman, NURTW, Idumota unit, Mr. Kunle Lawal, said the stakeholders would adhere to all rules and regulations of the state.
Meanwhile, an illegal motor park at Ikosi, Ketu has been shut down by task force and LASTMA.
Petty traders, who had turned the walkways into makeshift shops were also dislodged and advised not to return to the area.