488 vehicles impounded for BRT lane violations in eight months—LASTMA

The Lagos State Government has impounded a staggering 488 vehicles over an eight-month period for illegal use of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes.

This was disclosed in a press release issued on Monday through Lagos State Traffic Management Authority’s official social media platform, X, titled “LASG Issues Strict Warning to Motorists on Persistent BRT Lane Violations.”

The statement, signed by Adebayo Taofiq, Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, emphatically warned both private and commercial motorists to immediately stop infringing upon BRT lanes across the state.

According to LASTMA, these vehicles were apprehended between January and August 2024, with all offenders subsequently charged to the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecution.

Particular focus has been placed on motorists violating BRT lane rules along the Abule-Egba corridor, where the Lagos State Public Works Corporation (LSPWC) recently completed road rehabilitation projects.

With improved road conditions from Abule-Egba to Iyana-Ipaja, officials state that further violations of BRT lanes are not only unnecessary but entirely unjustifiable.

“Motorists plying routes from Abule-Egba through Iyana-Ipaja, Dopemu, and Oshodi must strictly adhere to designated lanes,” the release emphasised.

The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law by the Mobile Court.

While the crackdown has been widespread, key areas affected include Ikorodu, Maryland, Anthony, Apongbon, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ojuelegba, and Oyingbo, where LASTMA operatives have been active in enforcing the regulations.

The government’s broader infrastructure development efforts hinge on cooperation from road users, who are urged to exercise discipline and patience to maintain an orderly traffic environment.

“Lagos State remains committed to providing state-of-the-art infrastructure for all citizens, but such progress requires the active cooperation of road users,” the statement concluded.

The release further stressed the need for motorists to refrain from further encroachments.

In July, LASTMA said it impounded 9,370 vehicles from January 2024  to June 2024 for alleged traffic violations.

The General Manager, LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki said that 3,034 private vehicles were impounded, adding that they comprised  1,849 cars, 549 buses and 636 Sports Utility Vehicles, among others.

LASTMA, in an enforcement operation in December 2023, impounded 78 trucks for indiscriminate parking in the Apapa-Ijora area of the state.