Adelabu made this call on Thursday while speaking as a
panellist at the engagement session organised by the Lagos State Ministry of
Tourism, Arts and Culture for stakeholders in the hospitality sector on current
industry challenges, emerging trends, policy frameworks and collaborative
opportunities within the entire hospitality value chain at Eko Hotel, Victoria
Island.
She stressed that it is the duty of those who own and
operate facilities such as hotels, bars and other events centres to make
adequate provision for parking for their customers/clients. “If you have an
event centre, hotel or restaurant, ideally you should make sure you have enough
parking”, she said.
In addition, the General Manager explained that LASPA is not
quick to take punitive measures, but rather seeks voluntary compliance from
Lagosians, saying that the Authority usually explores all available options to
sensitise the public before commencement of any enforcement exercise.
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
before construction, and the approved designs must be strictly followed.
She stated that the government acknowledges the parking
requirements of certain existing event centres and corporate entities grappling
with inadequate parking spaces, assuring that the Authority is prepared to aid
them in establishing alternative arrangements whenever necessary.
“Should you require additional parking spaces around your
businesses, please reach out to us, and we will check with other nearby
facilities that don’t use their spaces at that particular period to accommodate
your needs, the Authority can also provide you with parking marshal for special
events”, she opined.
The General Manager mentioned that one of the goals of the
Agency is to make all Lagosians aware of their parking responsibilities,
saying “Before you leave your house,
ensure you check if it is compulsory to go out with your car, and if you need
to, you must consider where to park your car, check if there are available
parking in that space, how much it costs to park and then factor that into your
movement plans”.
Adelabu affirmed that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s
administration is making significant investments in an intermodal transport
system to reduce reliance on car travel.
She noted that Lagosians 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 also appealed to corporate entities, car park operators,
and others in the sector to comply with the parking policy and ensure timely
payment of their rates to avoid enforcement measures. She also called on all
Lagosians to adhere to the Lagos State Parking Policy and cooperate with LASPA
to keep the roads clear of illegal parking.
The General Manager reiterated LASPA’s commitment to
addressing all parking-related issues, ensuring that residents and visitors of
Lagos State enjoy optimal parking experiences. Hence, anyone with
parking-related issues should please contact LASPA on 02-01-2275230,
02-01-2275231 or visit our website.