When fuel queues and LASTMA Jams You

When fuel queues and LASTMA Jams You

If you ever have to travel
on Awolowo Road, in Ikoyi, Lagos during a period of fuel scarcity, you will
understand how much of a mad house it can be. The traffic literally stands
still, carrying a trident and waving its two horns flipping from side to side.
Traffic on those days can be the devil.
It’s not only Ikoyi,
virtually every fuel station in the city will be invaded by mammoth crowds and
mile long queues. It’s always a commuter’s night mare, take my word for
it. 
This is why the Lagos
State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has decided to take strong measures
in curtailing the effect of fuel queues in Lagos State and what better way to
do it than introducing a stiff fine.

It’s no one’s problem that
you are already frustrated and vexed from the physical exercise it takes to buy
fuel, after having to shove everyone else back and forth just so you can have
your meeting with the fuel pump. Or that your car and home generator tanks
are empty while PHCN seems to still be on strike. No, all those instances of
frustrating moments don’t matter because it’s after all this that LASTMA will
come and tow your car.
Yes, you heard right. According
to Chris Olakpe, Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Traffic Management
Authority (LASTMA), in a comment in the Guardian Newspaper, dated Monday, 11th
April, 2016;
“the
fine for wilful obstruction of traffic while trying to buy fuel at any filling
station ranges from N10,000 to N100,000. The owners of such vehicles will
also pay towing fines, which also ranges from N10,000
to N100,000 as the case may apply.”
 Phew, I don’t want to be
in the position of the motorists when LASTMA comes to jam him or her after
being on a fuel queue for hours. Neither do I envy the LASTMA official who will
be walking on dangerous grounds and may likely bear the brunt of such a
motorist’s fury. I am sure @AmbodeObsarver will have a lot to report to his
unofficial official boss.
AdedunmadeOnibokun
@adedunmade
Photo Credits – sweetcrudereports.com