By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
The Sierra Leone Police will implement a ban on all commercial motorcycles, commonly known as “okadas,” from operating in and around the Central Business District (CBD) of Freetown starting February 1.
This announcement was made during a recent engagement with stakeholders, including commercial motorcycle operators, civil society organizations, and enforcement agencies, held at police headquarters in Freetown on January 11.
AIG John Senesie, representing the police, emphasized the need for compliance with the new regulations and encouraged collaboration between law enforcement and the Bike Riders Union. He acknowledged the critical role of commercial motorcycle riders in providing employment and facilitating transportation but stressed that the ban is essential for ensuring public safety and the smooth flow of traffic in the CBD.
Commissioner Abdul Moijueh of the Sierra Leone Police Traffic Management and Road Safety Division reflected on past conflicts between police and motorcycle riders, urging for a cooperative approach moving forward. “We don’t want to see any conflict between the police and bike riders,” he stated.
The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of safety equipment, such as helmets, for motorcycle riders throughout the country. Mr. Kaitongi, Director of Safety and Enforcement at the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), underscored the necessity for ongoing training to improve compliance among riders, noting that this engagement is part of a broader effort to foster collaboration between enforcement officers and bike operators.
In response to the impending restrictions, Mohamed S. Turay, a representative from the Bike Riders Union, assured police of their members’ commitment to adhering to the CBD ban while calling for equitable treatment from enforcement officers.
The areas affected by the ban include key streets and roads in Freetown, such as Kennedy Street, Kissy Road, Fourah Bay Road, and many others, aiming to enhance traffic flow and public safety in the capital.
For more information, contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
