The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has warned motorists queuing up for fuel at different filling stations not to obstruct traffic.

The general manager of LASTMA, Bolaji Oreagba, warned in a statement on Wednesday by the agency’s spokesperson, Taofiq Adebayo.

“Buying fuel is not an excuse to block and impede traffic flow across the state,” Mr Oreagba said. “As much as we want our roads to be free, we do not want fuel queues to constitute a burden for other road users across the state.”

He said he had deployed more officers on traffic monitoring around filling stations and other areas.

Mr Oreagba said the deployment became imperative following reports of long queues around filling stations caused by motorists parking indiscriminately.

He said such motorists were blocking roads while queuing up to buy fuel.

The LASTMA boss expressed displeasure at the disorderly behaviour of drivers queuing up haphazardly around filling stations.

He urged petrol attendants and marketers to ensure that products were sold orderly.

Mr Oreagba said this was necessary so as not to infringe on the right of way of other road users, stating, “We are equally advising motorists, including members of the public, against unsafe fuel storage inside vehicles, homes, markets, and workplaces.”

The LASTMA chief added, “Landlords and tenants should shun inappropriate storage of fuel at homes and public places. Filling Stations must equally avoid dispensing fuel in polythene bags to avoid scuffles that can spark fire incidents.”

(NAN)