Lagos Crackdown On Trucks Violating Third Mainland Bridge Rules.
The Lagos State Government has intensified efforts to enforce traffic regulations on the Third Mainland Bridge, impounding more than 10 articulated trucks and heavy-duty vehicles for breaching weight restrictions. The enforcement operation, launched over the weekend of 19-20 July 2025, underscores the state’s commitment to protecting public safety and preserving critical infrastructure, according to a statement from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
Sola Giwa, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Transportation, announced the seizures, emphasising that the initiative targets vehicles exceeding the nine-tonne weight limit imposed on the bridge. The Third Mainland Bridge, a vital artery connecting Lagos Mainland to the Island, recently underwent extensive rehabilitation, making compliance with these restrictions essential to prevent structural damage. “This is not a punitive measure but a necessary step to ensure the longevity of our infrastructure and the safety of commuters,” Giwa stated, noting that the restrictions are grounded in engineering assessments and existing traffic laws.
The operation follows months of stakeholder engagement, public awareness campaigns, and formal advisories warning truck operators against using the bridge. Despite these efforts, some drivers continued to flout the rules, prompting LASTMA to deploy a dedicated enforcement team. The agency has also introduced advanced surveillance technology, including high-definition speed cameras, to monitor compliance in real time and deter violations. “These tools are part of our broader strategy to promote responsible driving and safeguard high-risk corridors,” Giwa added.
LASTMA’s crackdown has been met with firm resolve, with Giwa warning that no offender will be spared. “The period of leniency is over. Any truck operator found violating the prohibition will face immediate impoundment and legal sanctions,” he declared. The agency’s officers have been instructed to maintain strict enforcement, ensuring that the bridge, a critical link for Lagos’s commercial hubs, remains safe and functional.
The initiative has sparked discussions among logistics operators, with some urging fleet managers to adhere to designated routes. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users applauding the government’s decisive action, while others highlighted the need for alternative routes to ease compliance for truck operators. The enforcement aligns with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s vision to enhance road safety and reduce traffic bottlenecks across the metropolis.
As Lagos continues to modernise its transport infrastructure, the state government has called on haulage and logistics stakeholders to cooperate fully. “These regulations are for the collective good of all Lagosians,” Giwa stressed, urging the public to internalise the principles of civic responsibility. With ongoing surveillance and enforcement, the Third Mainland Bridge is set to remain a safer, more reliable corridor for commuters.
