By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
Following the expiration of a 7-day vacation order served on owners of commercial buses and other vehicles that have turned bridges in Lagos as parking lots or loading bays by the state government, enforcement has began.
At the expiration of the ultimatum, which started on October 16, 2023, any vehicles which contravene would be immediately charged to the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecutions.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation Hon. Sola Giwa gave the warning in a statement on Monday.
According to the statement by Adebayo Taofiq, Director Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the ‘Vacation Order’ is based on the need to remove every infraction impeding free flow of traffic on bridges across state.
It reads, ” The Lagos State Government today issued a 7-day ‘Vacation Order’ to motorists/commercial bus drivers operating on top of bridges across the State.
” The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation Hon. Sola Giwa today issued this 7-day ‘Vacation Order’ based on the need to remove every infraction impeding free flow of traffic on bridges across state.
“:Hon. Giwa disclosed that despite several warnings, motorists/commercial bus drivers have continued to defy government order and causing serious obstructions around these bridges with great negative impacts on the integrity of the bridges and traffic.
“He confirmed that the present administration is expending huge resources for constructing standard bus terminals/garages for commercial activities in every part of the state.
“According to the Special Adviser “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.
” He added that activities of these motorists/commercial bus drivers on bridges are contrary to provisions of the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law 2018 as amended.
” Hon. Sola however, affirmed that after the expiration of the ultimatum, any vehicles contravened would be immediately charged to the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecutions.
” This 7-day ‘Vacation Order’ takes immediate effect from Monday, 16th of October, 2023″.
