Lagos Government Restricts Articulated Trucks from Lekki-Epe Corridor During Peak Hours Starting August

The Lagos State Government has announced a new directive prohibiting articulated trucks from using the Lekki-Epe corridor during peak hours starting in August. This measure will coincide with the launch of the electronic call-up (e-call-up) system.

Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this development during an interview on Sunrise Daily show on Friday. He emphasized the significance of the e-call-up system for managing the heavy traffic on the Lekki-Epe corridor, which sees around 2,000 articulated trucks daily.

Osiyemi explained that the e-call-up system will incorporate a “belt time” feature, which ensures that no trucks or lorries will be on the road during designated peak hours. This measure aims to facilitate smoother traffic flow and enhance road safety during commuting times.

“Interestingly, the e-call-up system will include something called ‘belt time,’ which means that during certain periods, specifically from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. when people are going to work, no trucks or lorries will be on the road. Additionally, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., when people are returning from work, no trucks or lorries will be allowed on the road, either going to the park or to the loading bay,” explained Osiyemi.

The Commissioner highlighted that these specific time windows have been designated to ensure that residents around the Lekki-Epe corridor can move freely during peak periods. He noted that this strategic decision is aimed at avoiding the traffic issues experienced in the Apapa area, where the constant presence of articulated trucks has made movement around the ports difficult.

To enforce this new directive, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the Lagos State Taskforce, and the Police will actively impound trucks that violate the guidelines.

Osiyemi also mentioned the establishment of five designated parks for articulated trucks to use when not needed on the roads. These parks include Hog Marketing Limited in Okorisan, Epe; Nilmage Two4Seven in Poka, Epe; Goldspeed Freight Agency Ltd. opposite Dangote Refinery on Lekki Coastal Road; Diamond Star Ports and Terminal Ltd. in Abule Panu, Lekki-Epe; and Tal Concept Ltd. at HFP Brick Industry on Lekki-Epe Expressway. Combined, these parks have a capacity to hold over 1,200 trucks.