The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to safeguard public infrastructure and ensure road safety by impounding 10 articulated trucks and heavy-duty vehicles that flouted traffic regulations on the Third Mainland Bridge.
This decisive action was carried out by a newly established enforcement team set up to uphold traffic laws, especially the restrictions placed on certain categories of vehicles from accessing specific routes within the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday.
The statement, signed by Mr. Taofiq Adebayo, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), outlined the details of the enforcement.
According to Giwa, the operation, conducted over the weekend, reflects the Sanwo-Olu administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and preserving critical public infrastructure through the strict enforcement of traffic regulations.
He emphasized that the government is adopting a zero-tolerance stance towards any violations that jeopardize public safety or compromise the structural integrity of vital transport corridors such as the Third Mainland Bridge.
Giwa further stated that the enforcement drive was not sudden or without warning. Prior to this action, the government had engaged various stakeholders, conducted public awareness campaigns, and issued formal advisories to inform truck operators about the ban on articulated and heavy-duty vehicles on the bridge.
However, despite these repeated warnings and sensitization efforts, some operators have continued to flout the directive, thereby endangering the safety of other road users and risking damage to the bridge’s structure.
“The restriction on articulated trucks and heavy-duty vehicles from using the Third Mainland Bridge is based on professional engineering assessments, not an arbitrary decision,” Giwa clarified.
“The bridge, which serves as a crucial link between Lagos Mainland and the Island, has a stipulated weight limit of nine tonnes, particularly following extensive rehabilitation works carried out to strengthen its structural resilience.”
To bolster enforcement and ensure compliance, LASTMA officials have been expressly mandated to implement the restrictions without granting any exemptions to violators.
Additionally, the bridge has been fitted with advanced high-definition surveillance cameras capable of real-time monitoring and automated tracking of traffic violations.
“These technological enhancements enable prompt detection of infractions and guarantee consistent enforcement of the law,” Giwa noted.
He stressed that the ongoing crackdown on violators is part of a broader strategic framework by the Sanwo-Olu administration aimed at promoting responsible road use and preserving the longevity of public infrastructure. Giwa reiterated that the measure is essentially preventive rather than punitive.
“The ultimate goal of this initiative is to prevent structural fatigue and ensure the safety of all road users by maintaining smooth traffic flow. Any individual or operator who disregards these regulations will have their trucks impounded and will face appropriate legal consequences,” he warned.
With these steps, the Lagos State Government reaffirms its dedication to safeguarding public assets and ensuring that critical infrastructure like the Third Mainland Bridge remains safe, efficient, and durable for all commuters.