LASTMA seeks transport unions’ support to improve traffic flow in Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, has called for stronger cooperation from transportation unions to improve traffic flow and promote responsible road use across Lagos.

The agency made the call during a traffic advocacy and public enlightenment engagement with leaders and members of transportation unions and other stakeholders in the Ikeja axis of the state.

A statement by the agency said the engagement, held as part of LASTMA’s renewed efforts to combine enforcement with public education and stakeholder collaboration, focused on encouraging voluntary compliance with traffic regulations and improving road safety.

During the meeting, LASTMA officials sensitised transport union members on the need to obey traffic rules, maintain discipline while driving, follow proper loading and off-loading procedures, park responsibly and avoid actions that could cause traffic congestion or put other road users at risk.

The agency stressed that the responsibility of transport operators goes beyond conveying passengers, noting that commercial drivers and union members have an important role to play in maintaining order, safety and smooth movement on Lagos roads.

Drivers were particularly advised to avoid indiscriminate parking, illegal U-turns, blocking traffic lanes, reckless overtaking, picking up or dropping passengers at unauthorised locations, driving against traffic and other practices capable of disrupting the free movement of vehicles.

The engagement also allowed leaders of the transportation unions to raise operational challenges affecting their members.

LASTMA officials, in turn, provided explanations on traffic regulations, enforcement procedures and the appropriate channels for addressing traffic-related concerns.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, said lasting improvement in traffic management could not be achieved through enforcement alone, stressing the importance of continuous public enlightenment, consultation and cooperation with transport stakeholders.

He said transportation unions were in a strategic position to influence the behaviour of their members and contribute to restoring and maintaining traffic discipline across Lagos.

“Our objective is not merely to enforce compliance but to cultivate understanding, responsibility and voluntary adherence to the law. Transportation operators are critical partners in this endeavour because their daily activities have a direct bearing on traffic flow, road safety and the overall mobility experience of Lagosians,” Bakare-Oki said.

Bakare-Oki also urged union leaders to make regular sensitisation of their members a priority and ensure that drivers under their respective associations understood the consequences of violating traffic rules.

He further stressed the wider effect of indiscipline on other road users, urging transport operators to take responsibility for their conduct on the roads.

LASTMA appealed to transport operators, motorists and other road users to see traffic regulations as measures designed to protect lives, prevent avoidable crashes and support the smooth movement of people and goods across Lagos.

The agency said responsible road use and cooperation among transport stakeholders remained important to achieving safer and more efficient traffic management in the state.