LASTMA deploys 24-hour traffic strategy for ember months

By Adebola Muili

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) is set to commence round-the-clock traffic management operations across Lagos as part of measures to cope with increased vehicular movement expected during the Ember Months and festive season.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the agency, Adebayo Taofiq.

Bakare-Oki said the intensified operation would focus on improving traffic flow, detecting incidents early and ensuring quick intervention at locations likely to experience heavy congestion during the period.

He said LASTMA would deploy personnel and specialised response teams to major interchanges, bridges, arterial roads, transport terminals, commercial areas and other identified traffic pressure points across the state.

According to him, the operation would combine real-time monitoring with active management of intersections and major traffic corridors, while response teams would be positioned to deal with incidents capable of disrupting movement.

He identified vehicle breakdowns, road crashes, indiscriminate parking, illegal loading and off-loading and other forms of obstruction as some of the issues the agency would pay particular attention to during the period.

The LASTMA boss also said the agency would enhance its arrangements for clearing accidented and broken-down vehicles from carriageways, adding that traffic diversions could be introduced where necessary to prevent incidents from causing prolonged gridlock or secondary crashes.

Bakare-Oki stressed the importance of cooperation among relevant agencies, saying LASTMA would work more closely with the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Road Safety Corps, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, Lagos Ambulance Service Agency, Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, transport unions and other stakeholders.

He said the collaboration would support coordinated responses to crashes and other emergencies, as well as traffic control and enforcement across the state.

The general manager urged motorists and commercial transport operators to exercise caution and obey traffic regulations, particularly as traffic volume increases during the festive period.

He warned road users against speeding, reckless overtaking, driving against traffic, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and off-loading and blocking traffic lanes.

Bakare-Oki further advised motorists embarking on long-distance journeys to inspect their vehicles before departure, with particular attention to brakes, tyres, lights and other essential components.

He urged residents to report crashes, vehicle breakdowns, obstructions and other traffic incidents to LASTMA through its toll-free short code, 3367, to facilitate prompt intervention.

Bakare-Oki assured Lagos residents and visitors that the agency would remain committed to maintaining safe and efficient traffic movement throughout the Ember Months and festive season.

He appealed to motorists and other stakeholders to support the operation, stressing that effective traffic management during the period would depend not only on enforcement agencies but also on responsible behaviour by road users.