The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has impounded 123 vehicles for illegal parking in the vicinity of bridges across Lagos Island. The crackdown also led to the arrest of 19 hoodlums involved in the unauthorized collection of parking fees.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, revealed these developments in a statement issued on Wednesday. The enforcement operation aimed to address the issue of illegal parking contributing to traffic congestion in the state.

The LASTMA boss, heading a combined team with security operatives, executed the operation based on the directive of Mr Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the governor on Transportation.

“This exercise comes after numerous warnings were issued to both private and commercial bus drivers in the state to cease indiscriminate parking and the establishment of illegal garages around bridges,” Bakare-Oki explained.

The impounded vehicles were found around strategic locations, including Ebute-Ero by Idumota Bridge, Apongbon under Bridge, Simpson Bridge, and the Elegbata area of Lagos Island.

Expressing his dissatisfaction, Bakare-Oki stated, “It was nauseating seeing those private and commercial bus drivers constituting public nuisance by parking at free will around bridges, thereby causing avoidable gridlock.”

He assured that LASTMA would persist in its efforts to ensure the smooth flow of traffic by intensifying enforcement measures against drivers engaging in illegal parking practices.

In addition to the vehicle impoundment, Bakare-Oki reported the arrest of 19 hoodlums involved in illegally collecting parking dues from unsuspecting motorists. This action is part of LASTMA’s commitment to maintaining order and safety on Lagos roads.

“We will continue to ensure free flow of traffic by scaling up our enforcement and clampdown on these stubborn private and commercial bus drivers,” Bakare-Oki affirmed.