Illegal use of BRT lane attracts fines, legal sanctions for offenders

The Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) has stated that vehicles other than designated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses and vehicles operating under franchises, duly regulated by the authority to use the BRT lane, risk penalties, including fines, impoundment, and other legal sanctions as prescribed by law if they are caught using the corridor.

LAMATA noted in a recent statement signed by Kolawole Ojelabi, its head of corporate communications, that only emergency response vehicles, such as fire trucks and ambulances, and only when responding to emergencies, are allowed to use the BRT lane.

LAMATA stated that the growing trend of flagrant abuse of the BRT lane by unauthorised users, including some military personnel, para-military agencies, local government, and Local Council Development Area (LCDA) buses, as well as private vehicles, is deeply concerning and undermines the efficiency, safety, and purpose of the BRT system.

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“The BRT lane was specifically designed to provide fast, reliable, and safe mass transit for the commuting public.

“Unauthorised use not only disrupts scheduled operations but also endangers passengers and other road users, contributes to traffic congestion, and erodes the gains made in improving urban mobility across Lagos State,” LAMATA said.

The authority further stated that the regulations guiding the use of the BRT lane remain in full force and will be strictly enforced, noting that all offenders, regardless of status or affiliation, will be apprehended and prosecuted in accordance with the relevant traffic laws of Lagos State.

“We therefore call on all road users, including security agencies and government bodies, to respect the integrity of the BRT system and comply fully with established regulations. Cooperation from all stakeholders is essential to sustaining an efficient and world-class transport system for Lagos.

“The Authority remains committed to ensuring order, safety, and efficiency across the state’s transport network and will not hesitate to take decisive action against violators,” LAMATA stated.