LATSMA warns motorists about gridlock at gas stations due to fuel scarcity.
Mr Bolaji Oreagba, General Manager of LATSMA, revealed that officers were needed following reports of long queues around filing stations caused by cars parking arbitrarily near gasoline stations, causing traffic restriction while waiting for petrol.
He voiced his displeasure with the unruly behavior of certain automobiles who queue in dangerously close proximity to these stations.
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“Purchasing fuel is not an excuse to obstruct traffic flow across the state.” As much as we want our roads to be free, we don’t want fuel lines to be a burden on other road users across the state.”
In issuing the warning, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, indicated that the Ministry has witnessed with dismay actions of motorists parking and queuing in unauthorized places, so impeding free flow of traffic, thus the need for vigilance. He further stated that anyone seen queuing for fuel should guarantee that traffic flow is not disrupted, and that there are no excuses for traffic violations.
He reiterated that efficient traffic management has remained critical in the state’s pursuit of a seamless multi-modal transportation system, emphasizing the need for strong collaboration from the motoring public to ensure the government’s efforts are not jeopardized by an increase in illegal parking.
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While the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, confirmed they have been mandated to enforce state traffic laws in the event of any impediment to traffic flow. However, the Permanent Secretary urged residents to join hands with the State Government in finding long-term solutions to daily traffic congestions caused by this crop of traffic violators by being traffic law abiding citizens.
He went on to warn motorists, including gas station owners, against buying and selling fuel for house and car storage, as this is illegal. As a result of the abrupt exposure to ignition or an electric spark, this could result in a fire outbreak. He urged them to be cautious and not let the loss of subsidies force them to be irresponsible.
He expressed his concern with several drivers’ disruptive behavior, which was interfering with the free flow of traffic.
