By Esther Onyegbula

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has declared zero tolerance for unlawful parking and the obstruction of critical access routes around places of worship and major social centres during the forthcoming cross-over night celebrations across the state.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, issued the warning in Lagos as the state prepares for increased religious, social and recreational activities traditionally associated with cross-over night.
Bakare-Oki cautioned motorists against indiscriminate parking around churches, mosques, markets, nightclubs, event centres and other convergence points, stressing that the conversion of public roads, shoulders and pedestrian walkways into improvised parking spaces would not be tolerated.
According to him, cross-over night is usually characterised by a sharp rise in vehicular and pedestrian movement, often worsened by uncoordinated carnivals, street parties, roadside festivities and spontaneous celebrations.
While acknowledging the cultural and religious significance of such activities, the LASTMA boss described the abuse of public road infrastructure as a serious violation of traffic laws with grave consequences for public safety, emergency response and urban mobility.
He warned motorists to desist from abandoning vehicles on carriageways, road shoulders, medians and other critical access corridors leading to worship centres and social hubs.
Bakare-Oki also cautioned organisers and participants of carnivals, street jams and other festive events against blocking highways, inner roads or access routes without lawful authorisation and prior coordination with relevant government agencies.
Addressing anticipated traffic challenges, the LASTMA General Manager disclosed that the agency had activated a reinforced traffic management, monitoring and enforcement framework for cross-over night.
He said trained officers, supported by rapid response units and advanced surveillance teams operating under the newly inaugurated “LASTMA 24-Hour Night Gangs,” would be strategically deployed to identified flashpoints across the state.
According to him, the officers would ensure free flow of traffic, enforce parking regulations and promptly clear any unlawful obstructions, adding that offenders would be sanctioned strictly in line with existing traffic laws without exception.
Bakare-Oki appealed to religious institutions, market leaders, club operators and event organisers to demonstrate civic responsibility by providing adequate parking facilities, deploying internal traffic control measures and engaging proactively with traffic authorities to prevent spillover congestion on public roads.
He urged residents and visitors to cooperate with traffic officials, obey traffic directives and exercise patience and restraint as the state ushers in the new year.
“Collective compliance remains indispensable to the realisation of a peaceful, orderly and seamlessly managed cross-over night across Lagos State,” he said.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives, maintaining public order on the roads and ensuring efficient traffic movement across the metropolis.