The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has commenced plans to relocate trailers and containers to the premises of the Lagos Trade Fair Complex as part of efforts to find lasting solution to the persistent traffic gridlock at Apapa caused mainly by indiscriminate parking of trucks.

Mr. Chris Olakpe, Chief Executive Officer of LASTMA, who disclosed on Wednesday during an on-the-spot assessment of the Trade Fair Complex with stakeholders, said the relocation was part of measures government was considering to allow free flow of traffic in the axis.

According to Olakpe, plans have been concluded to organise a stakeholders’ meeting with a view to finding lasting solution to the perennial traffic logjam at Apapa.

The retired Assistant Inspector General of Police pointed out that there is need to improve the synergy between all stakeholders, stressing that the State Government, through the Agency, will ensure that all traffic laws in the state are obeyed while violators will be punished according to the dictates of the law.

He maintained that the agency will no longer tolerate indiscipline and indiscriminate parking on Lagos roads, noting that, this is the major cause of traffic gridlock being experienced in some parts of the State.

On the plans of LASTMA for the Yuletide period, Olakpe admonished motorists not to drink and drive while ensuring that only vehicles that are road worthy ply the road.

He asserted that operation “Arrest, Impound and Prosecute (AIP)” will be fully employed during and after the yuletide period.

On his own part, the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Bashir Braimah, reiterated the determination of the present administration to ease the traffic situations on major roads and highways in the state.

Braimah added that obeying traffic laws in a mega city like Lagos have become imperative, noting that government is set to provide the right infrastructure and relevant laws that will enhance free flow of traffic on all major roads.

Chief Remi Ogunbami, President Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), expressed satisfaction with government efforts aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in the state. He appealed for more sensitisation from LASTMA and the State Government.

Another stakeholder, Chief Chris Orede of F.T Global Services Ltd., disclosed that scanners which can give information on trucks and trailers to load will soon be installed as soon as the company receives the authority to do so from the government.

He noted that in other climes there is sanity in loading of trailers and a situation where a trailer is kept waiting for about two weeks is unacceptable and should henceforth be discouraged.

A meeting involving all stakeholders including National Association of Road Traffic Owners (NARTO), Nigerian Shippers Council, The Nigeria Police, The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), LASTMA and other transport professionals is to be held in order to engender synergy between all the relevant agencies.

The proposed site for the truck farm is located along the premises of the Lagos Trade Fair Complex, Mile 2. It has about 3,000 square meters and can hold an estimated 5,000 trucks at a time.

•Photo shows LASTMA CEO Chris Olakpe.

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