In a decisive move to restore traffic sanity and ensure compliance with Lagos State Traffic and Environmental Laws, the Lagos State Taskforce on Friday carried out a sting operation at Ikotun Bus Stop, opposite Irepodun Market along Idimu Road, where street traders and commercial buses causing untold traffic inconveniences were arrested.
The operation, led by the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Adetayo Akerele, extended to Ikotun Roundabout along Ijegun Road, and addressed long-standing complaints about street trading, trading on the kerbs and walkways, illegal parking, and commercial vehicles obstructing traffic around the axis.
The exercise, initiated in response to observations drawn through the Agency’s “See Something, Say Something” feedback mechanism, swiftly cleared the BRT corridor and walkways that had turned the roads into bottlenecks.
Residents and commuters along this axis expressed relief, noting that the streets, previously impassable, are now free for pedestrians, commuters, and motorists.
A resident, Mrs. Zainab Alabi, said: “This is a new lease of life for us. The constant gridlock caused by street traders and illegally parked vehicles are finally gone. We can move in and out of our streets freely.”
Akerele, the Taskforce Chief, disclosed that the operation, which will also be extended to other nooks and crannies of the state, marks the commencement of efforts to ensure the return of order on all major access roads and ensuring that motorists and pedestrians spend less time on the roads.
He assured residents that the Lagos State Taskforce remains committed to sustaining the operation sanity being carried out by the agency. He further urged traders and motorists to comply with Lagos State traffic laws across the state.
“All the arrested street traders will be charged to court for prosecution,” Akerele stated.