According to Mrs Adebisi Adelabu, General Manager, Lagos State Parking Authority, LASPA, who issued a statement in Lagos on Sunday, the policy is meant for only motorists who intend to make use of the newly created 1,800 parking slots of the  LASPA.

Adelabu expressed concern about a recent social media post regarding parking charges for churches and worshippers in Lagos State.

The statement read: “The post incorrectly stated that LASPA on Saturday announced it will from October charge churches and worshippers in Lagos State, who parked vehicles on designated streets around places of worship.

“To clarify the matter, LASPA wishes to emphasise that this information is inaccurate and does not reflect the true intent of our communication.

“The Lagos State Government is not imposing parking fees on churches or worshippers for parking on streets around religious institutions.

“Rather, LASPA is implementing the Lagos State Parking Policy to mitigate parking induced traffic congestion across the state.

“Lagos is experiencing a high demand for parking spaces that exceeds available space like many other major cities worldwide facing similar challenges.”

Adelabu clarified that inadequacy of space that prompted the agency to adopt a regulated on-street parking model to manage parking resources efficiently.

She recalled that the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, earlier this year, approved the introduction of a regulated on-street parking, which was announced during a stakeholder’s forum on Feb.14, adding that the religious organisations and other stakeholders were adequately represented at the forum.

According to the LASPA boss, the outcome of the forum was later communicated to the umbrella bodies representing these groups, which was also referenced in a news release making the rounds on social media.