LASTMA warns motorists against indiscriminate parking during cross-over night

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, AND LASTMA, has cautioned motorists against indiscriminate parking and unlawful obstruction of roads during cross-over night celebrations across the state.

The warning was issued on Sunday by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, in a statement released in Lagos.

Bakare-Oki stressed that access roads around places of worship, markets, nightclubs, event centres and other major gathering points must remain unobstructed, noting that violations would not be condoned.

He explained that cross-over night usually comes with a sharp increase in vehicular and pedestrian movement, often compounded by poorly coordinated activities such as carnivals, roadside festivities, street parties and spontaneous celebrations.

“While recognising the cultural, religious, and communal value of these activities, LASTMA condemns the misuse of public roads, including their conversion into improvised parking spaces or informal event venues,” Bakare-Oki said.

“Such acts are egregious violations of traffic regulations with far-reaching implications for public safety, emergency response, and urban mobility,” he added.

The LASTMA boss therefore urged motorists to desist from abandoning vehicles on carriageways, road shoulders, medians, pedestrian walkways and critical access routes leading to churches, mosques and social centres.

He also warned organisers and participants of carnivals, street parties and other festive gatherings against blocking highways, inner roads or access points without proper authorisation and coordination with relevant authorities.

Addressing anticipated traffic challenges, Bakare-Oki disclosed that the agency had activated an enhanced traffic management, monitoring and enforcement framework to ensure smooth vehicular movement and public safety during the celebration.

According to him, trained traffic officers, supported by rapid response units and advance surveillance teams under the “LASTMA 24-Hour Night Gangs” initiative, will be strategically deployed to identified traffic flashpoints across the state.

“This will ensure seamless vehicular mobility, rigorously enforce parking regulations, and swiftly neutralise any unlawful obstructions to traffic flow,” he said.

He further warned that traffic offenders would be sanctioned strictly in line with existing laws, without exemptions.

Bakare-Oki appealed to religious bodies, market associations, nightclub operators and event organisers to act responsibly by providing adequate parking arrangements and implementing internal traffic control measures to prevent congestion from spilling onto public roads.

He also called on residents and visitors to cooperate with traffic officials, comply with all traffic directives and exercise patience and restraint as Lagos residents usher in the New Year.