The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a warning to motorists against reckless parking and obstruction of roads during the upcoming cross-over night celebrations across the state. In a statement released on Sunday, General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki emphasized the importance of maintaining clear access roads around places of worship, markets, nightclubs, event centers, and other major gathering points.

As the cross-over night celebrations approach, LASTMA anticipates a significant increase in vehicular and pedestrian movement, which can be exacerbated by poorly coordinated activities such as carnivals, roadside festivities, and street parties. While acknowledging the cultural and communal value of these events, Bakare-Oki condemned the misuse of public roads, including their conversion into makeshift parking spaces or event venues. Such actions, he noted, are serious violations of traffic regulations with far-reaching implications for public safety, emergency response, and urban mobility.

To address these concerns, LASTMA has activated an enhanced traffic management framework to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public safety during the celebrations. Trained traffic officers, supported by rapid response units and advance surveillance teams, will be strategically deployed to identified traffic hotspots across the state. The agency will rigorously enforce parking regulations and swiftly neutralize any unlawful obstructions to traffic flow.

Bakare-Oki urged motorists to refrain from abandoning vehicles on carriageways, road shoulders, medians, pedestrian walkways, and critical access routes leading to churches, mosques, and social centers. He also warned organizers and participants of carnivals, street parties, and other festive gatherings against blocking highways, inner roads, or access points without proper authorization and coordination with relevant authorities.

To mitigate anticipated traffic challenges, LASTMA has implemented measures to ensure seamless vehicular mobility. The agency has also appealed to religious bodies, market associations, nightclub operators, and event organizers to provide adequate parking arrangements and implement internal traffic control measures to prevent congestion from spilling onto public roads. Residents and visitors are advised to cooperate with traffic officials, comply with all traffic directives, and exercise patience and restraint as Lagos residents usher in the New Year.

The enforcement of traffic regulations will be strict, with offenders facing sanctions in line with existing laws. By taking these measures, LASTMA aims to ensure a safe and orderly cross-over night celebration in Lagos, while also maintaining the city’s reputation for efficient traffic management. With the agency’s enhanced traffic management framework in place, residents and visitors can look forward to a hassle-free and enjoyable start to the new year.