By Olasunkanmia Akoni

LAGOS—OPERATIVES of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, said they have arrested 19 suspects and impounded 123 vehicles over illegal parking in Lagos Island.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, who led the combined enforcement team, explained that the exercise was in continuation of its enforcement operations to unlock every traffic bottleneck across the state.
Bakare-Oki said: “123 vehicles were impounded around Ebute-Ero by Idumota Bridge, Simpson bridge, Apongbon under bridge and Elegbata area of Lagos Island.

“It is nauseating seeing these private and commercial bus drivers constituting public nuisance by parking at free will around bridges thereby causing avoidable gridlock and inconvenience to other motorists and road users using these bridges to link up with other parts of the state.

“We will continue to ensure free flow of traffic by scaling up our enforcement and clampdown on these stubborn private and commercial bus drivers.”

Meanwhile, 19 suspected touts were arrested during enforcement operation over their involvement in the llegal collection of parking dues from motorists.

Investigation revealed that the suspects impersonated government agents with fake identity cards to extort innocent motorists including illegal traders who sell by road sides.