LASTMA rolls out traffic control plan three weeks into ‘Detty December’

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has rolled out an extensive traffic control and enforcement plan to ensure smooth vehicular movement across the state during the yuletide festivities.

In a statement on Saturday, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, general manager of LASTMA, said the agency has activated an intelligence-driven traffic governance framework in anticipation of the surge in activities associated with the annual “Detty December” celebrations.

Bakare-Oki noted that the festive season is usually marked by increased traffic due to concerts, carnivals, religious gatherings and other end-of-year events, often resulting in gridlock across major corridors in the metropolis.

To address this, he said LASTMA has heightened its operational readiness through the deployment of experienced traffic officers, enhanced surveillance systems and round-the-clock monitoring of critical routes, commercial hubs, event-prone areas and major arterial roads across Lagos.

The LASTMA boss urged owners and operators of event centres, clubs, lounges and entertainment facilities to put in place effective internal traffic and parking arrangements to accommodate their patrons within their premises.

He warned that any spillover of vehicles onto public roads, capable of causing obstruction or traffic congestion, would attract “firm and decisive enforcement actions”.

Bakare-Oki also cautioned market leaders, traders’ unions and other commercial stakeholders against the illegal display of goods on roads, walkways and pedestrian paths, stressing that such practices endanger pedestrians and worsen traffic congestion.

The agency further advised motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good mechanical condition before travelling during the festive period, while warning against drunk driving, speeding and other forms of reckless behaviour on the roads.

According to LASTMA, enforcement teams will remain vigilant and uncompromising in enforcing traffic laws relating to illegal parking, road obstruction, speeding and impaired driving throughout the yuletide season and beyond.

The authority appealed to road users to cooperate with traffic officers, obey traffic regulations and exercise patience, noting that collective compliance is essential for a safe and hitch-free festive period.

LASTMA also disclosed that high, medium, and low-capacity tow trucks have been deployed across the state, particularly along the Lekki–Ajah corridor, to promptly handle vehicle breakdowns and other emergencies.

In addition, the agency said its 24-hour “Night Gang Duty”  has been activated to monitor and regulate vehicular movement before, during and after the yuletide celebrations across Lagos.

Members of the public are encouraged to report traffic emergencies through LASTMA’s toll-free hotline, 080000527862.