The Lagos State Government has commenced a strict enforcement campaign against articulated vehicles violating traffic restrictions on the Third Mainland Bridge.
Over the weekend, more than ten heavy-duty trucks were impounded during the initial phase of the operation, according to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr. Sola Giwa.
Mr. Giwa explained that the exercise followed a prolonged period of stakeholder consultations, awareness campaigns, and official advisories aimed at reminding the public that trucks exceeding nine tons are barred from using the Third Mainland Bridge.
He warned that continued violation of the restriction poses a significant threat to both human lives and the structural integrity of the bridge, which has recently undergone extensive rehabilitation.
“The Third Mainland Bridge is strictly off-limits to certain articulated vehicles. This restriction is backed by law, and non-compliance will attract severe consequences. LASTMA has begun full-scale enforcement, and violators will be apprehended and penalised,” Mr. Giwa stated.
He further disclosed that the bridge is now equipped with advanced surveillance systems, including high-definition speed enforcement cameras that track violations in real time.
According to him, the deployment of these technologies aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s broader transportation safety strategy under the THEMES+ agenda, which prioritises infrastructure protection, traffic efficiency, and public safety.
Traffic regulations issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation prohibit the movement of articulated trucks and similar vehicles on specific bridges, especially during peak hours, to prevent congestion, reduce accident risks, and limit structural strain.
While reaffirming the government’s commitment to safety and order, Mr. Giwa clarified that the crackdown is not punitive but a lawful and necessary intervention to preserve public infrastructure and protect citizens.
He called on logistics operators, fleet managers, and truck owners to obey the restrictions and use designated alternative routes.
“The grace period is over. Adequate awareness has been done, and the law is clear. Any truck found on the bridge in violation of this rule will be impounded, and the owners will face appropriate sanctions,” he warned.
LASTMA has reportedly shifted its operational strategy to support the intensified enforcement campaign. The state government also urged residents and stakeholders to support the effort by prioritising compliance and civic responsibility.
The Initiative is part of a broader traffic reform plan that reflects the administration’s vision for a safer, more efficient, and structurally resilient Lagos.