The General Manager, Lagos State Parking Authority (LASEPA), Adebisi Adelabu, has urged stakeholders in the hospitality industry in the hospitality industry make adequate arrangements to meet their customers’ parking needs, in compliance with the state’s parking policy.
Adelabu stated that making provisions for customers to park will reduce traffic around their business location and increase patronage as well as will not inconvenient other residents of the community.
She made this call while speaking as a panelist at the engagement session organized by 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 in Victoria Island axis of the state.
The LASEPA boss stated 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 customers to park.
According to her, If you have an event centre, hotel or restaurant, ideally you should make sure you have enough parking.
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 explore all available options to sensitize the public before commencement of any enforcement exercise.
“We as an agency are not here to disrupt your businesss, what we ask is that you don’t make your businesses an infringement to the rights of others, ensure you comply with the dictates of the Lagos State parking Policy”, she stated.
Adelabu urged event centers to ensure ample parking provision for their guests right from the outset of constructing their facilities. She emphasized 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.
“When you are building a structure like an event centre you require the traffic impact assessment, which will definitely go through the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and Ministry of Transport before an approval is issued. However oftentimes people build something different from what they submitted, this should not continue” she stressed.
Moreover, the General Manager stated that the government acknowledges the parking requirements of certain existing event centers 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, we will check with other nearby facilities who don’t use their spaces at that particular period to accommodate your needs, the Authority can also provide you parking marshal for special events” she opined.
The General Manager mentioned that one of the goals of the agency is to make all Lagosian aware of their parking responsibilities. “before you leave your house, ensure you check if it is compulsory to go out with your car, and if you need to, you have to 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.” the General Manager advised.
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.
“You have a variety of transportation options available in Lagos now. Rather than driving around searching for parking, you can take advantage of trains or BRT buses. Furthermore, you can opt for LAGRIDE or first and last-mile buses to reach your destination after getting off the train or ferry,” She added.
The LASEPA boss further 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 our roads clear of illegal parking.
Adelabu reiterated LASPA’s commitment to addressing all parking-related issues, ensuring that residents and visitors of Lagos State enjoy optimal parking experiences
