LASG To LASTMA: Stop Impounding, Towing Of Broken Vehicles

Lagos State government has directed officials of the State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) to immediately stop impounding and towing broken down vehicles.
The Acting Commissioner for Transportation, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, who issued the directive on Friday, said LASTMA officials should rather lend a helping hand to owners of broken down vehicles. Elegushi, who charged officials to give the LASTMA a new lease of life, said the broken down vehicles should be towed to owners’ mechanic workshops and not LASTMA yards, which used to be the practice.
Speaking at meeting with the senior LASTMA officials, the commissioner added that 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 their friends and treat them as such. According to him, the LASTMA officials would be better appreciated, when owners of broke 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.
He explained that the change of baton in the agency was to allow for improved an
better service delivery.