By Expo Times Correspondent
In a decisive move to restore order and enhance public safety, senior officials of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have engaged commercial motorbike riders in a high-level dialogue at Model Junction, New Road, Freetown. 8 June 2025. The early morning meeting was led by Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Mr. Sahr Yomba Senesie and focused on addressing growing concerns over lawlessness and traffic indiscipline in the area.
The delegation also included the Director of Operations, Mr. John Martin Senesie; Regional Police Commander for Freetown West, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Sylvester Koroma; and Director of Traffic, Commissioner of Police (CP) Abdul Moiujeh. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including leaders of the Commercial Motorbike Riders’ Union, for an open exchange that resulted in a series of concrete resolutions.
Riders coming from the Fourah Bay College (FBC) axis must now use Allen Street, descend to the okada parking bay near the Gaza area, and exit through Model Hillside back towards FBC and other destinations. Taxis heading towards FBC are required to park only at the designated area west of Winners Chapel Church. Parking on both sides of the road is strictly prohibited for all vehicles, including commercial motorbikes. Crash barriers have been installed along both sides of the road. To enforce compliance, six officers from the Operational Support Division (OSD) and four traffic personnel have been deployed to the area.
In response to the police’s outreach, the Chairman of the Commercial Motorbike Riders’ Union pledged the union’s full cooperation. He assured authorities that union marshals would work in harmony with law enforcement officers to maintain discipline and ensure that riders abide by the new guidelines.
DIG Senesie and other senior officers emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, urging leaders of both the riders’ and drivers’ unions to lead by example and strictly uphold the law. “This is about saving lives,” one official stated, highlighting the dangerous consequences of traffic indiscipline.
The initiative reflects a shift towards community-centered policing by the SLP, prioritizing engagement and collaboration over strict enforcement alone. By fostering dialogue and mutual understanding, the police aim to build trust and promote a shared commitment to public safety.
“This partnership approach is essential,” DIG Senesie said. “The police alone cannot solve these problems. We need the support of all stakeholders to make our roads safer and more orderly.”
As the new measures take effect, the situation at Model Junction will serve as a test case for similar interventions across Freetown, where rapid urban growth has led to increased traffic chaos and strained law enforcement capacity. Both the police and the riders’ union expressed optimism that, with cooperation, long-term change is possible.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Wednesday, June 11TH, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
