Lagos Directs Motorists and Commercial Buses to Vacate Bridges Within Seven Days

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a seven-day ‘Vacation Order’ for motorists and drivers of commercial buses to stop operating on top of bridges across the state.

In a statement, LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq explained that the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation Sola Giwa gave the order based on the need to remove every infraction impeding the free flow of traffic on bridges across the state.

The statement reads in part, “Every motorist/commercial bus driver operating along ‘Apongbon’ and ‘Idumota’ (Cater)Bridges, ‘Elegbata:, ‘Ebute-Ero’ and Ejalonibu’ must as a matter of urgency vacate these areas as LASTMA would commence strict enforcement operation immediately after the expiration of this ultimatum until zero tolerance is achieved across the state.”

Lagos gives reason for vacation order

Giwa also explained that despite several warnings, motorists and commercial bus drivers have continued to defy government orders and cause serious obstructions around these bridges with negative impacts on the integrity of the bridges and traffic.

He stated that the present administration is expending huge resources on constructing standard bus terminals and garages for commercial activities.

Going further, the Special Adviser said the activities of these motorists and commercial bus drivers on bridges are contrary to provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018 as amended.

He added that after the expiration of the ultimatum, any vehicles contravened would be immediately charged to the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecutions.

This order comes after a coalition of civil society groups called on the Lagos State Government to sustain its closure of dirty markets and not be cowed by those inputting ethnic and political sentiments to those already closed.

During a press briefing, The group maintained that all citizens must ensure the state is clean while the state government must work to ensure the state is clean by enforcing environmental laws.