Lagos State Traffic Management Authority has said that it is not true that the agency fined a motorist N60,000 because he ran out of fuel but for causing an obstruction.
A statement issued on Thursday, October 14, by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs LASTMA, Filade Olumide and titled: ‘RE: LASTMA ASKS LAGOS DRIVER TO PAY N60,000 AFTER HIS CAR RAN OUT OF FUEL’, described the online publication as a “mischievous and a calculated attempt for public sympathy in order to avoid justice.”
Olumide said LASTMA did not commit any illegality by impounding a vehicle abandoned on the road and that was causing a wilful obstruction which is an offence in the law.
He said the N60,000 fine was broken down into ‘Wilful Obstruction’ (N50,000) and Towing fee of N10,000 as specified in the Lagos State Transport Law of 2018
“According to the report, allowing fuel to be exhausted in one’s vehicle on the highway does not show responsibility. LASTMA has not committed any illegality by impounding a vehicle abandoned on the road and causing a wilful obstruction which is an offence in the law.
“It should be noted that LASTMA will not be irresponsible as to leave such vehicle on the road, so as not to disturb other road users, while the said sixty-thousand-naira (=N=60,000.00) fine is broken down into Wilful Obstruction – fifty thousand naira (=N=50,000.00) and Towing fee – ten thousand naira (=N=10,000.00) as specified in the Lagos State Transport Law of 2018. This does not amount to arbitrary imposition of fine
“The agency will not allow any person to constitute a nuisance to other road users in whatever form, as road users are expected to be responsible in maintaining their vehicles and have consideration for other road users. Imagine if all other road users are also allowed to act against the law, what would become of Lagos traffic?
“Fines and penalties are meant to serve as a deterrent against another occurrence and for others to learn from. Government cannot afford to fail law-abiding citizens of the State. Let us all join hands together for a greater Lagos.”
