By Hassan Osman Kargbo
In a decisive move to address worsening traffic congestion across parts of the capital, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has launched an initiative to enforce designated no-parking zones in key areas of Freetown West. This was announced during a high-level meeting on Friday, April 11, 2025, convened by Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Sylvester M.N. Koroma, at the Regional Police Headquarters.
The meeting brought together executive members of the Commercial Motorbike Riders’ Union (Okada) and the Tricycle Riders’ Union (Kekeh), signaling a collaborative approach to urban traffic management.
AIG Koroma emphasized that the initiative—set to be officially enforced on Monday, April 14—was developed following consultations with relevant ministries and agencies. The first areas targeted for enforcement include Crab Town Junction, Lumley Roundabout, and Regent Road Junction.
According to AIG Koroma, such areas have seen significant traffic congestion in recent months, affecting both vehicular flow and pedestrian movement. “Regent Road Market, the vicinity around Safecon Fuel Station, and Crab Town Junction are particularly problematic,” he said. “We must decongest these spaces to ensure order, safety, and ease of movement.”
To address such issues, the SLP outlined relocation strategies for affected commercial riders. Motorbikes (Okadas) will be moved to a designated parking area currently utilized by the private transport company, Waka Fine. Meanwhile, tricycles (Kekehs) approaching from the Goderich axis will be redirected to an open space near Juba Bridge, which has been identified as a suitable alternative.
“This initiative is part of our broader vision to transform the Sierra Leone Police from a force to a service—one that listens, engages, and partners with the community,” AIG Koroma said. He urged all stakeholders to support the initiative, stressing that compliance would not only ease traffic but also promote public safety and national development.
During the engagement, the president of the Bike Riders Union raised some concerns, particularly regarding the capacity of the newly designated parking spaces. He cautioned that the areas may not be able to accommodate the growing number of rider, pointing out that some of the new parking sites are prone to flooding.
Despite these concerns, both unions expressed a willingness to cooperate. In a show of goodwill and commitment to law and order, the riders pledged to begin complying with the new directives starting Saturday, April 12—two days ahead of the official implementation date.
Demonstrating proactive leadership and transparency, AIG Koroma and his team, along with selected representatives from the riders’ unions, embarked on a site visit immediately following the meeting, touring the proposed parking areas; and they also carried out preliminary assessments, and began marking out parking zones to facilitate orderly usage.
The SLP is expected to continue its public awareness efforts throughout the weekend, engaging with stakeholders and sensitizing both riders and commuters. Authorities say further phases of the project will be rolled out in other parts of Freetown and beyond, depending on the success of this initial stage.
The initiative marks a significant step in managing the capital’s transportation challenges, aligning with broader urban planning efforts to modernize Sierra Leone’s infrastructure and services.
