Lagos State Government will prosecute residents caught crossing, selling and hawking on the highways in accordance with the state environmental law.
A statement issued by Mr Yinka Bankole-Bawa, Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Environment, said that Dr Babatunde Adejare, the Commissioner for Environment, gave the warning on Friday.
The statement quoted the Commissioner as reminding residents that it is illegal for anyone to cross, trade and hawk on the highways.
“People are advised to use pedestrians’ bridges that have been provided by the government.
“People should avoid street trading and hawking on major highways and roads.
“Motorists, commuters, commercial bus drivers and taxi operators should stop indiscriminate picking and discharging of passengers from and on unauthorised bus stops.
“Traders and buyers are liable for prosecution under the state environmental law,” the statement read.
It said that the government had constituted a high powered enforcement team to ensure strict compliance with these directives.
The statement added that the directives were part of strategy by the government to prevent the roads from being littered with refuse and reduce traffic gridlock.
It warned that any person caught trading or hawking on the roads including setbacks, median and walk-ways would face the full wrath of the law.