By Josephine Sesay
A significant meeting was held at the Police Headquarters on Saturday 11,2025. where commercial motorbike riders and law enforcement officials gathered to discuss the implementation of new traffic regulations in the Central Business District (CBD) of Freetown. The event, convened by Dr. John Martin Senesie, Director of Operations and Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), was aimed at fostering greater cooperation between the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and commercial motorbike riders, with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).6g
Dr. Senesie addressed the meeting by emphasizing the importance of law enforcement collaboration and urged all citizens to respect the law. “We need good cooperation between bike riders and law enforcement. No one is above the law. If Sierra Leone develops, we all benefit; if we fail, we fail together,” he said, highlighting the shared responsibility for the country’s progress.
A major highlight of the gathering was the announcement of new traffic regulations, which will come into effect on February 1, 2025. These regulations will prohibit commercial motorbikes from operating on 35 designated streets in the CBD. A grace period will run until January 31, 2025, allowing riders time to adjust to the changes. After this date, strict penalties, including vehicle impoundment, will be enforced for non-compliance.t
AIG Dr. Senesie called on union leaders and civil society groups to help disseminate the information to motorbike riders, ensuring they are fully informed ahead of the deadline. While acknowledging the important role of motorbikes in providing self-employment opportunities, he stressed the need to maintain order and safety in the bustling city center.yt
The Director of Traffic Management and Road Safety, Commissioner of Police Mr. Abdul Moijueh, reflected on past tensions between the police and motorbike riders, which had, at times, led to tragic consequences. He expressed a strong desire to avoid further conflicts, urging collaboration between law enforcement and riders to ensure safety and prevent future incidents in the CBD.
Safety was a key topic throughout the meeting. Commissioner Moijueh encouraged riders to wear protective helmets and prioritize their safety on the road. Additionally, the Director of Safety and Enforcement for the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, Mr. Kaitongi, announced plans to roll out training programs aimed 6 at improving riders’ compliance with traffic laws and enhancing road safety.
Regional Chairman for the Western Area, Mohamed S. Turay, expressed the willingness of the motorbike riders to comply with the new regulations, calling for fair and consistent enforcement from law enforcement officers. Representatives from various parks in the Western Area also pledged to help spread the information among riders, ensuring a smooth transition to the new rules.
As the meeting concluded, both law enforcement officials and motorbike riders expressed their commitment to working together for the successful implementation of the new regulations. The goal is to improve traffic flow and enhance public safety in Freetown’s CBD. Commissioner Moijueh reminded all stakeholders to widely share the new regulations, stressing that failure to comply after the grace period ends on January 31, 2025, will result in vehicles being impounded.
With the deadline fast approaching, law enforcement officials are urging the public to take the necessary steps to ensure compliance, reinforcing the importance of upholding the new traffic laws for the betterment of the city and its residents.