The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has impounded 84 commercial and private vehicles for various traffic offences during a weekend enforcement operation across major traffic flashpoints in the state.

The operation covered Idumota, Iddo, Ijora-Olopa, Costain and Onipanu, where LASTMA officials moved against one-way driving, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised locations as garages.

The agency said particular attention was paid to commercial buses reversing against traffic along the one-way stretch from Iddo to Idumota through Cater Bridge.

It described the practice as dangerous, warning that motorists, commuters and pedestrians approaching the bridge could be caught unaware by vehicles moving unlawfully against the flow of traffic.

The enforcement exercise, however, met resistance from some individuals, with several LASTMA personnel reportedly assaulted and injured. Some suspected attackers were apprehended, while operational vehicles belonging to the agency were damaged during the confrontation.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said the operation was necessary to curb persistent traffic violations and restore order along critical traffic corridors.

Bakare-Oki said the agency had repeatedly warned transport operators, commercial bus drivers and other road users against occupying under-bridge spaces, road setbacks and other unauthorised locations as illegal garages.

He said such activities obstructed effective traffic management and posed risks to motorists, commuters and pedestrians.

The General Manager warned that individuals and groups would not be allowed to appropriate public roads, bridges or under-bridge spaces for illegal loading, parking, vehicle repairs or garage operations.

He urged commercial bus operators, motorists, transport unions and other stakeholders to desist from one-way driving, dangerous reversing, illegal parking, indiscriminate loading and the use of unauthorised garages.

Bakare-Oki said further violations would attract appropriate enforcement measures in accordance with Lagos State traffic laws.

LASTMA also urged members of the public to report dangerous driving, traffic obstructions, reckless motorists and other traffic offences through its toll-free short code 3367 to enable prompt intervention and help prevent avoidable incidents on the state’s road network.