Lagos gives restaurants, clubs six months to comply with parking regulations

The Lagos State Parking Authority (LASPA) has offered a six-month grace period to hospitality businesses to resolve parking shortfalls.

Adebisi Adelabu, general manager (GM) of LASPA, spoke on Monday during a meeting with representatives of the restaurant, cafe, bar and club (RCBC) association in Lagos.

The meeting aimed to address concerns regarding the Lagos state parking policy and its impact on businesses in the hospitality industry.

Adelabu expressed concern over the inadequate parking facilities in some establishments.

She said many hospitality businesses had failed to comply with building regulations that require sufficient parking for their customers.

The LASPA boss reassured attendees that the state government remains committed to the parking policy, which aims to curb indiscriminate parking and reduce traffic congestion.

The general manager also addressed concerns about overlapping jurisdictions and interference from local governments.

Adelabu said the state has formed strategic partnerships with local governments and local council development areas (LCDAs) to prevent additional disturbances over parking levies.

“Business owners are advised to consult with LASPA before allowing customer parking on roads, which can obstruct traffic,” she said.

“We acknowledging the challenges faced by businesses. There is need for the hospitality sector to communicate their specific needs so that LASPA can provide appropriate guidance and recommend nearby parking options.”

She stressed the need to balance business interests with the rights of the general public and urged businesses to comply with the policy, adding that LASPA has made provisions for flexible payment plans for compliant businesses.

Adelabu called on Lagos residents to support the state’s parking regulation efforts and participate in the regulated on-street parking scheme.

“Compliance with the policy is vital for reducing traffic congestion and improving parking efficiency,” Adelabu said.

“By paying the required parking levies and engaging with the system, you help create a more organised and accessible urban environment.”

In her remarks, Morenike George-Taylor, RCBC’s president, thanked the LASPA general manager for her proactive engagement and confirmed that many members were already in compliance with the parking regulations.

George-Taylor also affirmed the hospitality sector’s readiness to support and adapt to the new parking scheme.