Lagos Govt Impounds 235 Vehicles Over Illegal Parking and Traffic Violations

The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), has impounded 235 vehicles at major traffic hotspots including Oyingbo, Iddo, Adeniji Adele, Oshodi, and Jibowu. These vehicles were seized for various infractions such as illegal parking, traffic obstruction, pedestrian walkway encroachment, and the establishment of unauthorized terminals.

According to a statement posted on LASTMA’s official X account on Thursday, the breakdown of impounded vehicles includes 156 commercial Danfo buses, 38 private cars, 19 minibuses and tricycles, five haulage trucks, and 17 inter-state passenger buses.

The enforcement campaign, led by LASTMA General Manager, Olalekan Bakare-Oki, is part of a broader strategy to combat persistent traffic congestion and promote safety and order on Lagos roads. Notably, five articulated trucks illegally offloading livestock on the Adeniji Adele Bridge were also impounded, and their drivers face imminent legal prosecution.

“In a decisive and far-reaching intervention to reassert order, discipline, and structural coherence within Lagos State’s urban mobility framework, LASTMA has launched a comprehensive clean-up enforcement campaign across critical corridors,” the statement read.

The operation also resulted in the arrest of 10 notorious traffic offenders and forms part of the state’s urban regeneration agenda aimed at strengthening traffic discipline across its five administrative divisions: Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe.

All impounded vehicles will be prosecuted via the Lagos State Mobile Courts in line with the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018, which mandates zero tolerance for traffic violations.

Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Sola Giwa, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to reclaiming public spaces and ensuring a seamless transportation system. He also noted that LASTMA is upgrading its enforcement mechanisms through technology and partnerships with other agencies.

Motorists and commuters are urged to comply with traffic regulations as the state works toward a safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation network.

Key Offences Under Lagos Transport Law

Violations that can result in vehicle impoundment under the 2018 law include:

• Driving without a valid driver’s licence (N20,000 fine + towing and storage fees)

• Disobeying traffic control officers

• Operating without a car hire permit (N20,000–N30,000 fine)

• Illegal parking or stopping on yellow lines

• Unauthorized route usage

• Pedestrian right-of-way violations at zebra crossings

• Eating, smoking, or drinking while driving

• Carrying unsecured containers on trailers

• Operating vehicles with faulty lights

Residents are reminded that ignorance of traffic laws is not a valid defense and are encouraged to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to avoid penalties.

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