The Lagos State Parking Authority has urged stakeholders in the hospitality industry to comply with Lagos state parking policy.

It called on those in the industry to make adequate arrangements to meet customers’ parking needs.

The general manager of LASPA, Adebisi Adelabu, said these in a statement on Saturday in Lagos.

Ms Adelabu said it was the duty of those who own and operate facilities such as hotels, bars and events centres to make adequate parking provision for their customers/clients.

“If you have an event centre, hotel or restaurant, ideally, you should make sure you have enough parking,” she said.

The LASPA general manager said that the authority was not quick to take punitive measures but rather sought voluntary compliance.

“The authority usually explores all available options to sensitise the public before commencing any enforcement exercise. We, as an agency, are not here to disrupt your businesses; what we ask is that you don’t make your businesses an infringement on the rights of others; ensure you comply with the dictates of the parking policy,” she said.

Ms Adelabu urged event centres to ensure ample parking provision for their guests right from the outset of constructing their facilities.

She emphasised that according to the law, anyone planning to build a structure for social gatherings must conduct a traffic impact assessment prior to construction, and the approved designs must be strictly followed.

She also assured some event centres and corporate entities grappling with inadequate parking spaces of the authority’s preparedness to assist them in establishing alternative arrangements whenever necessary.

Ms Adelabu affirmed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration was making significant investments in an intermodal transport system to reduce reliance on car travel.

“Lagos residents now have access to trains and boats as well as options like LAGRIDE or the first and last mile buses to complete their journeys,” she said.

The LASPA boss appealed to corporate entities, car park operators and others in the sector for timely payment of their rates to avoid enforcement measures.

She also called on Lagos residents to cooperate with LASPA to keep the roads clear of illegal parking, urging anyone with parking-related issues to contact the agency. 

(NAN)