The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has urged motorists to desist from irresponsible and unsafe practices to avoid destruction of lives and property during Easter celebration.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday in Lagos.
“As Lagos anticipates the customary surge in human and vehicular movement associated with the Easter season, LASTMA issues a firm advisory to motorists, urging elevated vigilance, heightened discipline and unwavering compliance with established traffic regulations.
“The agency warns against driving under the influence of alcohol, excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking and all forms of irresponsible road behaviour capable of precipitating preventable tragedies,” he said.
He said that festive periods exerted additional pressure on transport network, thereby demanding utmost restraint from motorists.
The general manager said that no festivity or social engagement was worth jeopardising personal safety or security of other road users.
“To ensure unhindered mobility of persons, goods and essential services throughout the Easter holiday, LASTMA has deployed an enhanced corps of officers.
“The officers are to man major traffic corridors, transport hubs, highways, intersections, central business districts, recreational centres, religious venues and other strategic high-traffic locations spanning the five divisions of Lagos State.
“These officers have been expressly instructed to heighten surveillance and compliance and swiftly address any emerging traffic disruptions,” he said.
He urged commercial drivers, transport union executives, fleet managers and logistics operators to intensify sensitisation efforts targeted at their members on the dangers of overloading, excessive speeding and substance impairment.
“Collective adherence is vital to reducing road traffic crashes.
“LASTMA extends warm Easter greetings to all residents of Lagos State and reiterates its readiness to provide uninterrupted traffic management and enforcement services throughout the celebrations.“The authority encourages the public to promptly report any traffic infractions, obstructions or emergencies for immediate intervention,” he said.
