LASTMA deploys more personnel, warns against reckless driving in Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has strengthened its operational presence across the state for the Easter celebrations, deploying additional personnel and logistics to manage the expected surge in traffic.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued the advisory as Lagos prepares for increased human and vehicular movement during the festive period.

He urged motorists and other road users to exercise caution, discipline, and strict compliance with traffic regulations, warning against behaviours such as driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, and dangerous overtaking.

Bakare-Oki emphasised that such actions could result in avoidable road accidents, loss of lives, and damage to property, stressing that no celebration should come at the expense of public safety.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, the agency has positioned additional officers at strategic locations, including major highways, transport terminals, intersections, business districts, recreational centres, and religious venues across the five divisions of the state.

The deployed personnel have been mandated to intensify monitoring, enforce traffic laws, and respond promptly to incidents on the roads.

In addition, LASTMA has pre-positioned high- and medium-capacity tow trucks, traffic cones, safety barriers, and other essential equipment to quickly address vehicle breakdowns and traffic disruptions.

According to Bakare-Oki, the enhanced deployment shows the agency’s commitment to maintaining safe and efficient movement throughout the Easter period, noting that operational teams are fully mobilised to manage the anticipated increase in traffic volume.

He appealed to motorists to remain patient, obey traffic officials, and prioritise safety at all times, warning that a moment of negligence could lead to irreversible consequences.

The LASTMA boss also called on commercial drivers, transport unions, fleet operators, and logistics companies to sensitise their members on the dangers of overloading, speeding, and substance abuse, stressing that collective responsibility is vital in reducing road accidents.

He extended Easter greetings to residents and reaffirmed the agency’s readiness to ensure seamless traffic management during the celebrations, while encouraging the public to report traffic violations, obstructions, and emergencies for prompt intervention.