Motorists in Lagos can now heave a sigh of relief following the new directive announced by the management of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

The new development as announced by the Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Nofiu Elegushi, stipulates that traffic officers attached to LASTMA can no longer impound broken down vehicles on Lagos roads.

According to Elegushi, who gave the directive, LASTMA officers should “immediately stop impounding and towing broken down vehicles.” Rather, the Commissioner said “LASTMA officials should lend a helping hand to owners of broken down vehicles.”

Elegushi, who charged officials to give the LASTMA a new lease of life, disclosed that “broken down vehicles should be towed to owners’ mechanic workshops and not LASTMA yards, which used to be the practice.”

Furthermore, he said owners of such vehicles should no longer be fined as was the usual practice. According to him, vehicle owners based on understanding should pay towing charges.

Elegushi explained that this feat would not only assist motorists out of a difficult situation, it would aid free flow of traffic by the prompt action of LASTMA operatives.

The commissioner urged the public to see LASTMA officials as friends and treat them as such. According to him, the LASTMA officials would be better appreciated, when owners of broken down vehicles are quickly assisted.

He, however, warned that broken down vehicles should not be repaired on the road. “Before enforcement is carried out in any area of the state, LASTMA officials should strategize for a better service delivery,” the Commissioner added.

Elegushi urged LASTMA officials to be acquainted with the state traffic law and properly supervise BRT lanes, which, according to him, are often use by other road users, especially commercial bus drivers.

Source: Inside Mainland