THE Lagos State Government has restricted articulated truck drivers from using some bridges in the state.
The restricted bridges are Ojuelegba and Dorman Long bridges.
The instruction was issued in a letter from the Special Adviser on Transportation to the Governor, Sola Giwa, dated February 6, and addressed to the General Manager of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA).
The letter was titled, ‘Ban on use of Dorman Long and Ojuelegba bridges by articulated truck drivers’.
The letter is a response to the many truck accidents that occurred around the stated bridges.
The state also aims to stop more casualties through the directive.
“Sadly, on Sunday, 29th January 2023, another tragedy which involved a road accident occurred on the Ojuelegba bridge involving a container-laden truck which fell off the bridge and crushed a commercial bus on the ground which claimed Nine (9) lives and several others injured. Specifically, the State Government has observed that the rising curve of the bridge is not designed to allow passage of long, spacious and heavy vehicles.
“In view of the foregoing, you are directed to apprehend articulated trucks that pass through Dorman Long and Ojuelegbe bridges in accordance with pronouncement of the State Government, in a bid to reduce the spate of avoidable accidents,” the statement said.
Accidents resulting from heavy-duty and articulated trucks have been rampant in recent years and have led to the loss of lives.
In January 2023, an articulated vehicle carrying a 20ft container fell on a commercial bus in the Ojuelegba area of Lagos State, killing nine passengers.
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