LASTMA warns against petrol-filled containers in cars, causing obstruction during Xmas

The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has cautioned motorists, particularly commercial bus drivers, against driving vehicles with containers filled with petrol to prevent fire outbreaks.

A statement by the LASTMA spokesman, Adebayo Taofiq, on Sunday said the General Manager LASTMA, Mr Bolaji Oreagba, gave this warning following the return of queues in filling stations and the desperate buying of fuel in jerrycans and other containers.

Oreagba said, “We are all aware of queues at different petrol filling stations right now but, it is a great risk and very dangerous for motorists particularly commercial bus drivers to be moving around with petroleum products in jerrycans inside booths of their vehicles.

“It is equally expedient to remind motorists that as we are approaching the last month (December) of the year, the dry season is already here with us which makes it very dangerous for motorists to be carrying fuel in jerrycans while on transit as this may speed up havocs which are not prepared for.

“In order to avoid causing any undue obstructions to other road users, motorists must ensure that they have C-cautions, wheel spanners, jack and spare tyres, visible headlamps in case of any emergency.”

The LASTMA boss added that adhering to traffic rules and regulations as contained inside the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, would ensure safety of lives of owners, drivers and their passengers.

In a related development, LASTMA urged various market leaders to ensure proper coordination of trading activities, including parking arrangements for vehicles, in markets across the state as Christmas approach.

Oreagba, represented by Comptroller Awoyemi Jimmy, during a meeting with the leadership of the Mile 12 International Market at LASTMA headquarters, said the government would not condone any illegal trading activities that would impede the free flow of traffic.

He said, “Market leaders must ensure that buying and selling activities are restricted within the market environment as any act of trading activities affecting free flow of traffic or restricting movements of other road users would be met with strict enforcement by the government”.