Traffic gridlock over petrol queues
Petrol scarcity, queues: Lagos warns motorists against indiscriminate parking
Amid emerging long queues at petrol stations across the state following the scarcity experienced by consumers in purchasing the commodity, the Lagos Government has warned motorists parking their vehicles ‘indiscriminately’ on highways and inner roads in a bid to purchase petrol at dispensing stations ‘to desist from hindering traffic flow within the metropolis.’
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, who gave the warning, Thursday, said the Ministry ‘has observed with dismay activities of motorists parking and queuing in unauthorised places thereby hindering the free flow of traffic, hence the need for caution.’
This is also the Permanent Secretary stressed that ‘those found queuing for fuel should also ensure that the flow of traffic is not adversely affected, stating there are no excuses for traffic violations.’
According to Mr. Toriola, efficient traffic management has remained crucial in the attainment of a seamless multi-modal transportation system of the state, ‘hence, the need for strong collaboration of the motoring public to ensure the efforts of the government is not threatened by the surge of unlawful parking.’
While confirming that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has been mandated to enforce the state traffic laws to avoid any impediment to free traffic flow, Toriola however, urged residents to join hands with the State Government ‘in finding a lasting solution to daily traffic congestion occasioned by the recalcitrant traffic violators, by being traffic law-abiding citizens.’
