LASTMA To Start Impounding Unpainted Commercial Vehicles In Lagos

The Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) has warned commercial drivers not to use unpainted vehicles in the state. In a statement, Adebayo said that the agency would continue to enforce the laws and regulations that govern the operations of commercial vehicle operators in the state. He also stated that all intra-state bus operators should ensure that their vehicles are painted in black or red stripes.

According to Adebayo, the General Manager of the LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, said that the agency would begin an enforcement exercise on all commercial vehicles in the state on November 7, 2022.

“Mr. Oreagba disclosed further that the warning was to ensure that commercial bus operators, especially those on intra-state services, comply with the existing law of Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018 in order to restore sanity on the roads and protect the lives and property of Lagosians.

“He emphasized that all minibuses known as ‘Danfo’ including ‘Korope’ should be painted in yellow with black stripes while mass transit buses with two doors are to be painted with approved red colour by operators.

“Oreagba also noted that all buses that have been authorised to ply Victoria Island and its environs with an approved colour must all be registered through the various established offices.

“The General Manager, therefore, urged all commercial bus operators to comply with the warning in their own interest, adding that officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority have been directed to impound any commercial bus not painted in the approved Lagos State colour of red or yellow with black stripes and that any vehicle impounded will not be released until the needful is done in accordance with the Law.”

According to Oreagba, all commercial buses in Lagos must be registered with the appropriate number plates and have hackney permits. He also stated that all area shuttle buses must strictly restrict their operations in designated areas. He said those found operating outside these areas would be charged and impounded.

All commercial bus operators in the state were reminded to avoid violating various traffic rules, such as not wearing seat belts, parking illegally at unapproved bus stops, driving against traffic, and disregarding BRT corridors and kerbs.