Lagos State Government Issues 7-Day ‘Vacation Order’ for Motorists on Bridges

The Lagos State Government has issued a 7-day ‘Vacation Order’ to motorists and commercial bus drivers operating on top of bridges across the state.

The directive, which came into effect on Monday, was announced in a statement signed by Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The order was necessitated by the persistent disregard of government regulations by motorists and commercial bus drivers, leading to severe traffic obstructions and posing a threat to the integrity of these crucial structures.

Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, emphasized the need to eliminate any obstructions hindering the smooth flow of traffic on the state’s bridges. He underlined the government’s commitment to investing substantial resources in constructing standard bus terminals and garages across the state to accommodate commercial activities.

Giwa stated, “Every motorist and commercial bus driver operating along bridges such as ‘Apongbon’ and ‘Idumota’ (Cater) Bridges, ‘Elegbata,’ ‘Ebute-Ero,’ and ‘Ejalonibu’ must urgently vacate these areas. @followlastma will immediately initiate strict enforcement operations once this ultimatum expires, with a commitment to achieving zero tolerance across the state.”

The actions of these motorists and commercial bus drivers on the bridges are in violation of the provisions outlined in the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, as amended. Giwa stressed that following the expiration of the ultimatum, any vehicles found in contravention of the order will face immediate charges in the Lagos State Mobile Court for prosecution.

This directive underscores the government’s dedication to maintaining the structural integrity of its bridges and ensuring the unimpeded flow of traffic, further demonstrating its commitment to the safety and convenience of commuters throughout Lagos State.