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The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) has announced plans to introduce a harmonized axle load regulation, aligning the country’s transport standards with those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The initiative aims to protect Sierra Leone’s fragile road network, enhance road safety, and strengthen regional trade.
ECOWAS first adopted its axle load policy in 2012, setting strict limits for heavy trucks: 10 tons for single axles, 16 tons for tandem axles, and a maximum gross vehicle weight of 46 tons.
The policy seeks to safeguard road infrastructure, reduce transport costs, and improve safety across the region.
For Sierra Leone, the policy is particularly urgent. Overloaded trucks have long been blamed for potholes, damaged highways, and unsafe driving conditions.
By enforcing axle load limits, SLRA hopes to ease the financial burden of road repairs while ensuring safer travel for citizens.
Engineer Vandy French, Deputy Director General of SLRA, emphasized the broader economic benefits of the policy.
“Harmonized regulations will reduce disputes at borders, ensure smoother transport of goods, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s role in exporting minerals and agricultural products,” he said.
Consultant Ing.
Alpha Badamasi Savage highlighted the legal and safety dimensions of the initiative, noting its alignment with national laws, including the Road Traffic Act, 2007, and the Road Traffic (Axle Load and Overload Control) Regulations, 2015.
He added that ECOWAS provides a regional framework that complements Sierra Leone’s laws, offering a unified approach to road safety and infrastructure protection. Savage also acknowledged enforcement challenges but said the new framework presents a clear opportunity to address them.
With support from the African Development Bank, SLRA is preparing to install weighbridges and monitoring systems nationwide to ensure compliance. The initiative has received strong backing from mayors, city council chairpersons, the Motor Drivers’ Union, mechanics, the Sierra Leone Police, the Road Safety Authority, and the Road Maintenance Fund Administration.
Local leaders have also expressed support.
Augustine Sahr Sheku, Chairman of Kono District Council, praised the policy as vital for preserving the road sector and ensuring greater safety for citizens. Superintendent Edmond Ernest of the Sierra Leone Police assured that the force would enforce compliance with the new laws.
During a two-day consultation, stakeholders across the country pledged their commitment to effective implementation.
Their collective support underscores the policy’s potential to protect Sierra Leone’s roads, enhance safety, ease cross-border trade, and strengthen ties with regional partners.
