Lagos Government Impounds 10 Heavy-Duty Trucks for Third Mainland Bridge Access Violation

The Lagos State Government has confiscated 10 articulated trucks and heavy-duty vehicles for contravening the traffic restrictions placed on the Third Mainland Bridge.

This enforcement action was executed by the state’s newly established compliance team, assigned to monitor and enforce the adherence to designated traffic regulations on restricted routes within Lagos.

Mr. Sola Giwa, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, confirmed the development through an official statement issued on Sunday. The communication was signed by Taofiq Adebayo, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).

According to Giwa, the enforcement operation, which took place over the weekend, aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s ongoing commitment to preserving both human lives and vital infrastructure by ensuring that traffic laws are applied uniformly without exemptions.

“This action underscores the government’s uncompromising stance against any breach that jeopardizes public safety and the structural soundness of our major transport networks,” Giwa stated.

He further noted that prior to this crackdown, the government had conducted multiple stakeholder consultations, public awareness campaigns, and issued formal notices warning against the use of the bridge by articulated vehicles.

Despite these warnings, certain operators have persistently ignored the directives, thereby endangering commuters and compromising the structural stability of the Third Mainland Bridge.

The bridge, a critical infrastructure connecting Lagos Mainland to the Island, has undergone significant rehabilitation recently. It is officially restricted to vehicles weighing no more than nine tonnes.

“The restriction is not arbitrary. It is anchored on thorough engineering evaluations and codified in existing traffic regulations. Defaulters should now be prepared for stringent penalties,” Giwa added.

He highlighted that LASTMA officers have clear instructions to enforce these rules rigorously, ensuring that no violator goes unpunished.

Moreover, the bridge has been upgraded with sophisticated surveillance systems, including high-definition cameras designed for real-time monitoring and automated detection of traffic violations.

“These technological advancements facilitate prompt identification of offenders and guarantee consistent enforcement of traffic rules,” he remarked.

Giwa also emphasized that this initiative is an integral component of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s broader strategy on road safety and traffic governance in Lagos State. This strategy prioritizes responsible road usage and the sustainable maintenance of infrastructure.

“The enforcement is a preventive strategy aimed at avoiding structural fatigue of the bridge and ensuring an uninterrupted, safe traffic flow.

“Trucks impounded for violating these rules will remain seized, and the offenders will face appropriate legal penalties,” he concluded.