Gridlock: Lagos State Government Warns Religious, Event Centres, Clubs Owners Over Traffic

The Lagos State Government has warned managements of event centres, religious centres, property owners, and other appealing places to desist from intensifying traffic gridlock on roads around their locations.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, read the riot act to these organizations. He added that all places of attraction should cease from activities that could obstruct the free flow of traffic.

Oladeinde, who explicitly noted the Lekki-Expressway where several man-hours are wasted. This happens, especially on Saturdays. He also apologised to residents for the road blockage caused by activities of these centres.

The Commissioner said: ‘’Henceforth, any social event where the number of expected visitors exceeds 50, the organizers must notify the General Manager of LASTMA in advance. Especially if it is perceived that their property would not accommodate large numbers of vehicles that may be brought by their guests”.

“The LASTMA authority will be on hand to advise them on what to do rather than allowing their visitors to block roads. Therefore, this will attract stiffer penalties if caught.

“The state government will no longer condone parking of vehicles on the roadside. Failure of the operators/ property owners to make provision for adequate parking space for their guests.”

Also read: LASTMA Set To Deploy Cameras And Other Electronic Devices To Capture Traffic Violators

According to Oladeinde, there are so many event centres and places of worship on Lekki expressway. Which they are operating without adequate parking spaces for their worshipers/visitors.

‘’Many of these event centres and churches do not have enough spaces for their visitors. Especially on Lekki/ Epe expressway, most often, public roads are used for their parking.

‘’Efforts are now being made to address these critical gridlock traffic scenario. Therefore, we will ensure that what happened on the Lekki Corridor on December 14, 2019, is never repeated.

“Let me, therefore, warn all event centres managers again that they are now under obligation to notify the LASTMA Authority. Therefore, the LASTMA can as well plan for efficient traffic flow in the area. Failure to abide by this regulation will attract stiff penalty”, Oladeinde said.