By Idrissa Bangura

The Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Keketoma Sandi read a drafted press release from the Sierra Leone police at a press Conference held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Auditorium Hall concerning the increased lawlessness displayed by some motorists, garage owners, vehicle owners, motor cycle and tricycle riders.

He said that the Police are concerned about the lawlessness and recklessness displayed on the road by these road abusers; these actions have forced the Directorate of Traffic Management and Road Safety to enforce the following laws and to take effect on the 1st September, 2023.

He further stated that, parking of vehicles, motorcycles, or tricycles on the road is highly prohibited, and garage owners should not use any public road as garage. He also warned garage owners to remove all vehicles, motorcycles, or tricycles presently abandoned or which are parked on the road for repairs.

He categorically warned that the parking of car on any of the roads in Freetown and the province for more than one hour is prohibited. The release further stated that on any circumstance shall a vehicle be allowed along the Hill Side Bye Pass Road.

The release emphatically stated that, all bike riders and their passengers must use helmets while plying the road, any defaulting riders and passengers shall be arrested and prosecuted. Motorists, bike riders and tricycle riders are prohibited from parking on all major junctions along the road leading to and from Waterloo and the provinces with immediate effect.

He vividly and clearly noted that motorists and riders are only allowed to drop and pick up passengers at all major junctions. The restriction placed on commercial motorcycles [okadas] from plying the Central Business District [CBD] is still maintained and it is your duty and responsibility to maintain law and order as police officers.