LASTMA Impounds 27 Commercial Vehicles In Crackdown On Overloading

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has initiated a statewide enforcement operation to eliminate the hazardous practice of vehicle overloading on Lagos roads.

LASTMA General Manager, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, announced this in a statement released on Thursday in Lagos. He explained that the campaign is part of the agency’s continuous efforts to enhance road safety and enforce full compliance with traffic regulations.

Bakare-Oki revealed that 27 commercial and private vehicles were impounded during an early-morning operation. He noted that this action came after multiple prior warnings delivered to drivers through various public awareness channels.

“The operation was executed following heightened concerns over the escalating risks posed by overloaded vehicles on major arterial corridors and densely trafficked inner-city routes.

“LASTMA enforcement officers field assessment exposed a deeply disconcerting pattern wherein motorists particularly operators of commercial vehicles indiscriminately burden their vehicles with assorted goods, stored indiscriminately within luggage compartments and precariously mounted atop vehicle roofs.

“Such unsafe practices grossly obstruct rearward visibility, destabilise vehicular balance and critically impair a driver’s situational awareness of approaching traffic, especially during overtaking, thereby substantially increasing the probability of avoidable road traffic collisions,” he said.

The General Manager stressed that overloading vehicles represents a major breach of Lagos State traffic laws. He warned that this practice creates severe dangers not only for those inside the vehicle but also for all other road users.

He reiterated LASTMA’s firm zero-tolerance policy toward any traffic violation that threatens lives and property. He added that enforcement against offenders will continue to be consistent, intensified, and unwavering.

“LASTMA urges all motorists to adhere strictly to stipulated loading capacities, maintain unobstructed visibility at all times and prioritise roadworthiness and safety in their daily operations.

“The agency remains resolute in the execution of its statutory mandate to enforce traffic laws professionally, equitably and without prejudice in furtherance of the Lagos state government’s unwavering commitment to a safe, orderly and efficient transportation system across the state,” he said.

LASTMA also encouraged members of the public to report any commercial or private vehicles exceeding permitted loading limits by calling its toll-free line: 0800-005-27862, so that swift enforcement action can be taken.