The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has announced a major new penalty for drivers who abandon their vehicles on major roadways in Freetown, particularly during the busy December festive season this year.

Deputy Executive Director of the SLRSA, Josie Abraham Scott-Manga, confirmed that the new penalty, which will impose a fine of NLe20,000 (equivalent to Le 20 million in old currency), is aimed at discouraging vehicle abandonment that has been causing severe traffic disruptions. The fine will apply to large trucks and other vehicles that obstruct traffic on major roads in Freetown.

Scott-Manga explained that the SLRSA has partnered with the Sierra Leone Police to enforce this new measure. A joint task force has already been deployed to clear major traffic bottlenecks, such as those caused by improperly parked trucks and commercial vehicles, particularly in the areas between Cline Town and Upgun. This enforcement effort is expected to continue throughout the holiday season and into the early months of 2026.

According to Scott-Manga, the goal of the initiative is to enhance road safety by preventing accidents and reducing delays caused by abandoned vehicles. He noted that such vehicles have often been linked to fatal accidents, leading to loss of life.

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He also confirmed that abandoned vehicles will be towed, and offenders will be required to pay the fine.

In addition to the festive season enforcement, the SLRSA has outlined plans to extend the monitoring of traffic obstruction to areas up to Mile 38, ensuring comprehensive coverage.

Frequent patrols will be conducted throughout the city to ensure that the regulations are adhered to, with the SLRSA promising a continued commitment to improving traffic flow and safeguarding road users.

The SLRSA’s efforts come at a time when road safety and traffic congestion have been growing concerns in Freetown, particularly as the city experiences increased movement during the holiday period.

By enforcing stricter penalties for illegal parking and vehicle abandonment, the SLRSA aims to restore order on Freetown’s roads and ensure safer travel for all.

This initiative, according to Scott-Manga, is not just a temporary measure for the holiday season but part of an ongoing effort to maintain road safety and reduce traffic-related hazards across the capital city. The SLRSA has pledged to keep up its operations, ensuring that Freetown’s busiest routes remain free of obstruction well into the new year.

Freetown and its environs is the busiest between mid December and early January as thousands of locals and diasporans arrive in the city for the festive season. The city, which is crammed between the Atlantic Ocean and the Peninsula Mountains, is normally filled to the brim with locals and foreign nationals, especially the city centre.