The Lagos State Government disclosed on Wednesday that the vehicles impounded for minor traffic offences will not be released to their owners until after the lockdown.
The State’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said the clarification became necessary following the report that persons, whose vehicles were impounded, trooped to the offices of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority; Vehicle Inspection Services; and Task Force on Wednesday to reclaim their vehicles.
Omotoso, in a statement on Wednesday, explained that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s directive at a media briefing on Tuesday was that such vehicles would only be released to their owners after the lockdown.
The Commissioner said, “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed the release of all vehicles impounded for minor offences from 1st March 2020 to 14th March 2020, in addition to other palliative measures introduced to cushion the effect of lack of economic activities in the state due to the lockdown.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the governor’s directive does not invalidate the lockdown as imposed by the Federal Government.
“Concerned motorists are, therefore, not expected to visit the offices of LASTMA, VIS and Task Force for the release of their impounded vehicles until the lockdown order is lifted by the Federal Government.
“Please stay at home and ensure social distancing as well as regular washing of hands with soap under running water to prevent further spread of the coronavirus disease.”
