… 760 motorists arrested for one-way violations as agency intensifies enforcement and emergency response across Lagos
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has reported significant strides in road safety enforcement and emergency response operations, announcing that 1,075 injured crash victims were rescued across the state during the 2025 operational year.
The agency disclosed that the rescues were carried out through coordinated interventions across major traffic corridors, driven by rapid response systems, inter-agency collaboration and the strategic deployment of personnel to high-risk locations.
According to operational data released over the weekend, LASTMA impounded a total of 17,169 vehicles for various traffic violations. This includes 5,581 private vehicles and 10,825 commercial vehicles cited for offences such as reckless driving, overloading, obstruction, mechanical faults and non-compliance with traffic regulations.
The Authority also confirmed the arrest of 760 motorists for driving against traffic — a violation it identified as a leading cause of fatal road accidents in Lagos.
The General Manager of LASTMA said the figures reflect a shift toward proactive and intelligence-driven traffic management, supported by the use of technology and sustained public enlightenment campaigns aimed at improving driver behaviour.
He noted that LASTMA officials routinely operate under hazardous conditions to rescue victims, manage crash scenes and restore traffic flow, while working closely with medical and emergency responders to prevent secondary incidents.
The agency attributed many of the recorded accidents to speeding, driver fatigue, mechanical failure, impaired driving and dangerous practices such as one-way driving.
Describing enforcement as a key deterrent tool, LASTMA stated that impounding offending vehicles helps remove unsafe vehicles from the roads and reinforces compliance with traffic laws.
The Authority expressed particular concern over persistent one-way violations, warning that such actions often result in head-on collisions with severe consequences.
While highlighting progress made, LASTMA stressed that sustainable road safety requires collective responsibility. It called on motorists, transport unions and fleet operators to comply with traffic regulations and support ongoing safety initiatives.
The agency added that continuous review of its operations shows that prompt rescue efforts have helped reduce fatalities, minimise injury severity and restore normal traffic conditions more quickly after accidents.
Reaffirming its commitment, LASTMA said it will sustain enforcement operations, expand public awareness campaigns and adopt innovative strategies to address emerging mobility challenges in Lagos.
By ROTA Media News
Reporting on transport, safety and urban mobility in Lagos.
