Lagos orders immediate evacuation of tankers from Eko, 2nd mainland bridges

Following the chaotic traffic situation caused by illegally parked petrol tankers in the state, the state government has directed tanker drivers, whose vehicles are illegally parked and abandoned on Alaka and Eko bridges to vacate the areas immediately.

The State Government, which reiterated its determination to ensure safety of Lagosians and free flow of traffic across the state, warned that it would not hesitate to enforce traffic rules and regulations whenever laws are violated, just as it enjoined the drivers to adhere strictly to the Lagos Road Traffic law.

General Manager of Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA), Engr. Babatunde Edu, who led the monitoring team comprising top officials of the agency, lamented the disorderliness and traffic chaotic situation on the Eko Bridge/Funsho Willaims Avenue and said that it became necessary to checkmate the excesses of tanker drivers, to cushion the hardship on innocent Lagosians.

Edu noted that the axis are gradually becoming an eye sore and if not properly managed, could aggravate to the level of lawlessness and indiscipline being witnessed daily at Apapa Area of the state.

According to him, the state government would ensure that every citizen has a right to the roads, as the state roads are not constructed only for articulated vehicles.

The LASTMA boss reminded the vehicle drivers that the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority Law of 2007 section 21, which restricts driving or propelling, whether mechanically or otherwise, of articulated vehicles, heavy-duty vehicles, lorries, trailers and tankers on the BRT lite corridor and from movement between the hours of 11.00am and 4.00pm and between 11.00pm and 5.00pm are still in force.

Edu maintained that the tankers should make use of the Apapa Oshodi express way, which is primarily designed for such purpose and thereby stay away from all bridges, except during the time frame stipulated by the law.

He attributed the recent gridlocks being witnessed recently around the state to the spillover of traffic backlog from the Ijora entrance of Eko Bridge that connects Apapa. This act of insensitivity has crippled the economy of the state, denying other people their right to livelihood.