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The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), James Bagie Bio, has announced a new directive mandating strict vehicle fitness tests for all haulage vehicles operating under Categories E, F, and G.
The move, unveiled during a meeting with vehicle examiners at the Authority’s headquarters on Kissy Road, is part of intensified efforts to curb the growing rate of road accidents, particularly in Freetown and other urban centers.
Addressing the examiners, Mr. Bio underscored the critical role they play in ensuring road safety, stressing that both government and the public rely heavily on their technical expertise to guarantee that only roadworthy vehicles are allowed on the roads.
”Your work is central to national safety. The responsibility placed on you cannot be overstated,” he stated, calling for increased diligence and professionalism.
Under the new directive, all haulage vehicles within the specified categories will be required to undergo mandatory fitness tests for both new registrations and license renewals. The policy is expected to tighten regulatory control in the haulage sector, which has been associated with a number of recent road incidents.
The initiative also aligns with Sierra Leone’s obligations under the African Road Safety Charter, which aims to reduce road traffic fatalities by 50 percent by 2030. According to the SLRSA boss, achieving this target will depend largely on strict enforcement and comprehensive vehicle inspections.
In a bid to modernize operations, Mr. Bio further instructed Autospect to expand the rollout of visual vehicle examination systems nationwide. However, he emphasized that SLRSA examiners must continue conducting mandatory physical inspections to ensure full compliance with safety standards.
”We owe the people of Sierra Leone a duty of care. It is our responsibility to ensure that only safe and roadworthy vehicles are allowed on our roads,” he added.
Also speaking at the engagement, Deputy Executive Director Josie Scott-Manga assured staff of management’s commitment to addressing operational challenges affecting their work.
The new measures are expected to significantly strengthen enforcement and reduce accidents involving heavy-duty and haulage vehicles across the country.
