Lagos Seizes 10 Trucks as Third Mainland Bridge Crackdown Begins

The Lagos State Government has impounded ten heavy-duty and articulated trucks for flouting traffic regulations that restrict access to the Third Mainland Bridge. This decisive enforcement action was carried out by a newly inaugurated task force charged with ensuring compliance with existing laws designed to protect the structural integrity of one of Nigeria’s most critical transport corridors.

According to iReporter Online, the crackdown was led by the enforcement team under the supervision of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa, who emphasized that the state has adopted a zero-tolerance stance on infractions that threaten both public safety and infrastructure resilience. The trucks were seized over the weekend, following a series of warnings and public awareness campaigns aimed at educating stakeholders on the rules governing the bridge’s usage.

Giwa, speaking through a statement issued by Taofiq Adebayo, spokesperson for the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), highlighted that the operation aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader road safety initiative, which prioritizes responsible use of public infrastructure. The Third Mainland Bridge, which recently underwent major rehabilitation, is restricted to vehicles under nine tonnes in weight. The regulation is grounded in professional engineering assessments and has been formally communicated to all relevant stakeholders.

Despite repeated advisories, certain operators continued to disregard the directive, prompting authorities to take swift and decisive action. According to iReporter Online, the bridge is now outfitted with high-definition surveillance cameras capable of real-time monitoring and automated violation tracking, allowing enforcement teams to identify and apprehend offenders without delay.

Giwa stressed that the initiative is not punitive but preventive, aimed at averting structural damage and ensuring smooth traffic flow across the bridge. He confirmed that all violators will face the full weight of the law, with impounded vehicles subject to legal sanctions. He added that LASTMA officers have been directed to strictly enforce the restrictions moving forward, with no exemptions granted regardless of operator status.

According to iReporter Online, this enforcement marks a turning point in Lagos State’s strategy for preserving critical infrastructure and enhancing road safety, with the government vowing to sustain the momentum in its broader urban traffic management plans.