The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) at the weekend evacuated petroleum tankers parked illegally across major roads and bridges in the state.

One hundred and twenty tankers, buses, and vehicles parked on Ebute-Ero Bridge and 10 others along the Dangote Refinery and Lekki Free Trade Zone were removed in an operation directed by the Special Adviser on Transportation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Sola Giwa.

A statement by LASTMA’s Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment, Adebayo Taofiq, noted that the activities of the tanker drivers in the state were becoming worrisome, posing an eyesore and obstructing the free flow of traffic.

Adebayo said: “The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), in a decisive enforcement operation over the weekend, dislodged all illegally parked tankers around the Dangote Refinery and across the Lekki Free Trade Zone. This action followed repeated warnings issued by the Lagos State Government against such infractions.

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“The intervention, described as a proactive measure, was aimed at averting the grave disruptions to vehicular movement that such illegal parking could cause. It ensured unimpeded access for trucks entering and exiting the Dangote Refinery and safeguarded traffic flow along the Lekki-Ajah corridor.”

Continuing, Adebayo said Giwa reaffirmed the government’s unwavering resolve to maintain a traffic-free and orderly Lagos. He emphasized that the indiscriminate parking of tankers, particularly around the Dangote Refinery, the Lekki-Epe Free Trade Zone, and the Lekki-Ajah Expressway, would no longer be condoned.

He expressed disappointment that these vehicles, despite repeated warnings, continued to use bridges as unauthorized parking and garage spaces.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to sustaining surveillance in these areas, leveraging the recently introduced ‘Eto’ system, which regulates the entry and exit of trucks at the Dangote Refinery. Furthermore, LASTMA has established a dedicated Traffic Monitoring Zone (TMZ) in the Lekki axis to oversee vehicular operations and prevent further disruptions.

“All vehicles, including tankers, private cars, and commercial buses impounded during this enforcement exercise, will be promptly arraigned before the Lagos State Mobile Courts.

“This serves as both a punitive measure and a deterrent to others engaging in similar illegal activities. The Lagos State Government, through LASTMA, appeals to all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to facilitate seamless movement and promote orderliness across the state,” the statement added.