By CHIAZO OGBOLU

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced a statewide enforcement initiative aimed at tackling hazardous practice of vehicular overloading.

The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

He noted that the impounding of vehicles was part of the authority’s sustained commitment to enhancing road safety and enforcing uncompromising compliance with extant traffic regulations across the state.

According to him, 27 commercial and private vehicles impounded during an early-morning enforcement exercise, was after repeated warnings issued through multiple public sensitisation platforms.

“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 emphasised that vehicular overloading constitutes a serious contravention of the state’s traffic laws, posing grave dangers not only to the occupants of the offending vehicles but also to other road users.

He consequently, reaffirmed the agency’s zero-tolerance stance against all traffic infractions that imperil lives and property, warning that enforcement actions against defaulters would remain sustained, intensified and uncompromising.

“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 urged members of the public to promptly report any commercial or private vehicles found to be in violation of prescribed loading limits, through its toll-free line on 0800-005-27862, to enable swift enforcement. (NAN)