By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority have announced strict new measures aimed at improving safety in container haulage operations across the country following recent fatal accidents involving container trucks.
The joint announcement was made in a press release issued on Monday 11 May 2026 after a high level meeting involving the two institutions and the Ministry of Transport and Aviation.
According to the statement, the meeting was prompted by growing public concern over unsafe haulage practices, especially after recent tragic incidents that claimed several lives. Authorities said the accidents exposed serious operational lapses and enforcement gaps within the transportation of containerized cargo.
The institutions noted that while regulations already exist to govern haulage operations, some transport operators have continued to violate safety standards, creating dangerous conditions on public roads.
The statement also referenced disturbing videos circulating on social media showing container trucks operating in visibly unsafe and unroadworthy conditions. Officials said the footage further highlighted the urgent need for decisive action to protect lives and property.
As part of the new measures, trucks without valid licences, insurance, and operational documents will no longer be granted access to the port. Vehicles without visible registration number plates will also be denied entry.
The Road Safety Authority will deploy handheld verification devices at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay gate to check vehicle licences in real time. Trucks with worn out tyres and defective locking systems will also be barred from transporting containers.
Authorities further warned that trucks carrying unsecured containers or operating with faulty locking mechanisms will be impounded immediately and sanctioned in accordance with the law.
In another major step, all container trucks will undergo mandatory roadside inspections at designated checkpoints to assess tyre condition, load security, and overall roadworthiness. Container trucks will also be restricted to approved routes and operating hours where necessary.
The two institutions said they will work closely with the Indigenous Transport Owners Association to ensure full compliance with the new regulations.
The Road Safety Authority will also increase patrols along major haulage corridors to monitor operations and respond swiftly to unsafe practices.
Repeat offenders, including transport companies and individual truck operators, risk facing tougher penalties including blacklisting from port access and cargo handling operations.
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority reaffirmed that public safety remains their top priority and urged all transport operators, clearing agents, and stakeholders to comply fully with the new directives.
They emphasized that the measures are intended to improve accountability, strengthen enforcement, and prevent further tragedies on the nation’s roads.
