Post a comment 
The Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA) is preparing to roll out a harmonized axle load policy designed to safeguard the country’s fragile road infrastructure, enhance road safety, and strengthen regional trade integration.
The policy aligns Sierra Leone’s transport regulations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) framework, which standardizes axle load limits across member states.
ECOWAS first introduced the harmonized axle load regulation in 2012 to curb excessive loading of heavy-duty trucks. Under the framework:
- Single axles are limited to 10 tons
- Tandem axles to 16 tons
- Maximum gross vehicle weight is 46 tons
These limits aim to reduce road damage, improve transport safety, and lower long-term maintenance costs.
Sierra Leone’s road network is highly vulnerable to damage, and overloading has been a major contributor to potholes, weakened highways, and heightened accident risks. Authorities believe strict enforcement will extend road lifespans and reduce repair costs, while simultaneously supporting safer and more efficient transport.
Deputy Director General of SLRA, Engineer Vandy French, highlighted the regional benefits of the policy:
“Harmonized transport regulations will minimize border disputes, facilitate smoother cross-border movement of goods, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s export potential, particularly for minerals and agricultural products.”
Consultant Ing. Alpha Badamasi Savage emphasized that the policy aligns with national laws, including the Road Traffic Act, 2007, and the Road Traffic (Axle Load and Overload Control) Regulations, 2015. He noted that the ECOWAS framework strengthens Sierra Leone’s legal obligations while providing a coordinated regional approach to road safety and infrastructure protection.
Ing. Savage added that previous enforcement weaknesses and limited inter-agency collaboration can now be addressed, enabling more effective policy implementation.
With financial and technical support from the African Development Bank, the SLRA plans to install weighbridges and modern monitoring systems nationwide to ensure compliance.
The policy has received strong backing from mayors, city council leaders, the Motor Drivers’ Union, mechanics’ associations, the Sierra Leone Police, the Road Safety Authority, and the Road Maintenance Fund Administration.
Chairman of Kono District Council, Augustine Sahr Sheku, described the policy as essential for protecting vital road networks and ensuring public safety. Superintendent Edmond Ernest of the Sierra Leone Police also pledged full enforcement support.
At the conclusion of a two-day stakeholder consultation, participants reaffirmed their commitment to preserving road infrastructure, improving safety, facilitating cross-border trade, and deepening regional cooperation.
Source: https://wix.to/41zZeZM
