Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) have impounded 9,370 vehicles from January to June 2024 for alleged traffic offences across the state.

General Manager of LASTMA, Mr. Olalekan Bakare-Oki, confirmed this figure on Sunday during a meeting with relevant stakeholders in the transportation industry in the state.

He stated further that over 3,034 private vehicles were impounded, including 1,849 cars; 549 buses and 636 Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs), among others.

“We are undertaking these initiatives to improve our service delivery to Lagos residents. LASTMA aims to rebuild public confidence, particularly in public relations.

“Over 256 casualties were recorded during this period.

“In the last six months, it has been a mix of good, bad, and ugly, but we have managed to overcome many challenges, particularly in training and retraining our personnel.

“We have successfully trained 2,000 of our staff, both internally and externally.” LASTMA boss said.

He revealed that over 900 personnel were trained externally in collaboration with the training department of the Nigerian Police, Lagos Command, adding that, more than 1,200 traffic officers received training from three different consultants on leadership skills, emotional intelligence, customer care, and incident management.

He also announced that the authority’s call center would be launched soon and would be toll-free, accommodating English, Yoruba, and Pidgin to facilitate feedback.

The GM highlighted that LASTMA began by clearing the Apapa Port area, conducting several operations to remove trucks and tankers parked indiscriminately along the Apapa route.