JRI-SL Blames Police, SLRSA for Recurring Container Truck Accidents in Freetown
Aaron Parker The Justice Reform Initiative-SL (JRI-SL) has blamed the Sierra Leone Police and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) for what it describes as recurring road accidents involving heavy-duty trucks and container trailers in Freetown, accusing the institutions of weak enforcement and negligence.
In an immediate press release signed by Victor Lansana Koroma Esq., the organisation said the accidents were linked to several factors, including poor vehicle maintenance, reckless driving, weak regulatory oversight, daytime truck operations in congested areas and inadequate freight infrastructure.
JRI-SL raised concerns about the condition of many container trucks operating in Freetown, alleging that some have faulty brakes, worn-out components and other mechanical defects that make them unsafe for public roads. It also expressed concern about vehicle emissions, which it said could expose commuters, pedestrians and roadside traders to serious health risks.
The organisation further identified speeding, distracted driving, driver fatigue and suspected alcohol or substance use as contributing factors to accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles. It accused the police and SLRSA of failing to take adequate action against such practices.
JRI-SL also criticised what it described as weak enforcement and oversight by the two institutions, alleging that some officials prioritise collecting money from truck operators instead of ensuring compliance with road safety regulations.
The organisation questioned why container trucks continue to operate during busy daytime hours along congested streets, including Sander Street, ECOWAS Street, Siaka Stevens Street and Sani Abacha Street, despite the introduction of traffic restrictions aimed at maintaining free movement in the Central Business District.
It further raised concerns about the absence of designated freight routes, adequate parking and staging facilities for container trucks, arguing that these shortcomings increase the risks posed by heavy-duty vehicles navigating crowded streets and steep roads.
The press release also cited allegations that some truck operators pay bribes to highly placed police officers and safety personnel to gain access to the Central Business District during daytime hours, rather than operating at night when they fear possible attacks.
To address the situation, JRI-SL called on the Government to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action to protect road users, particularly within the Freetown Municipality.
The organisation recommended that heavy-duty trucks transporting goods should be restricted from operating during busy daytime hours and allowed to ply the roads after midday when traffic is expected to ease.
It also proposed that trucks transporting goods from the provinces should offload at government-designated parking and storage facilities in the Western Rural District or Waterloo before the goods are transported into Freetown.
Additionally, JRI-SL called for vehicles identified as unroadworthy to be denied licences and prohibited from operating within the Freetown Municipality.
The organisation said stronger enforcement of road safety regulations and improved management of heavy-duty truck operations were necessary to protect pedestrians, commuters, traders and other road users.