The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has issued a stern warning to motorists across the state, urging them to refrain from causing traffic congestion while queuing for fuel at various filling stations.
The warning comes in response to the growing concerns about the disruptive impact of long queues at petrol stations on the flow of traffic in Lagos.
In a statement released on Sunday, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, emphasized the importance of maintaining order on the roads, even amidst the current fuel scarcity.
The statement, which was signed by Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, Director of the Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, highlighted the authority’s concerns over the indiscriminate parking habits of some drivers as they wait to purchase fuel, resulting in blocked roads and significant traffic delays.
Bakare-Oki announced that additional LASTMA officers have been deployed to monitor traffic around fuel stations throughout Lagos. This increased presence is part of a broader effort to manage the congestion caused by motorists who fail to adhere to proper traffic regulations while queuing for fuel.
The LASTMA General Manager expressed dissatisfaction with the chaotic behavior exhibited by some drivers, noting that their careless queuing practices are causing unnecessary disruptions to the smooth flow of traffic in the city.
“The current fuel scarcity is not an excuse to obstruct and disrupt traffic in Lagos,” Bakare-Oki stated. “We want our roads to be free-flowing; fuel queues should not become a burden for other road users in Lagos.”
He further reiterated the critical role of effective traffic management in achieving a seamless multi-modal transportation system in the state. Bakare-Oki called for full cooperation from the public, urging motorists to be mindful of their actions and to ensure that their behavior does not negatively impact other road users.
In addition to addressing traffic concerns, Bakare-Oki highlighted the importance of public cooperation in realizing the objectives of the ‘T.H.E.M.E.S. +’ agenda, which is focused on improving transportation, healthcare, education, and other key sectors under the current administration.
