In the wake of an increase in road accidents in Monrovia and its environs, the Liberia National Police (LNP) says it will as of January 4, 2021 begin restricting commercial motorcycles and tricycles from main streets, thus returning to “no go zones”.
Deputy Police Inspector for Operations (102) General Marvin Sackor says the measure is intended to minimize the high rate of accidents, crimes and deaths resulting from commercial motorcycle accidents.
Some criminals are in the habit of using motorcycles to snatch people’s phones, handbags or carried out armed robberies, especially at night. And the police is at the same time re-enforcing the 10Pm curfew for motorcycles.
In fact, most of them do not know basic road traffic rules and signs as well ride the bikes recklesslessly.
Prior to the new measure, which leaders of the motorcycles and tricycles had signed on to recently, Col. Sackor said on the state broadcaster, ELBC earlier this week, that the LNP recorded more deaths and crimes involving motorbikes.
The “No go areas” are identified as Beer Factory to Monrovia, GSA Road to Monrovia, the entire ELWA-RIA highway, Gardnersville to Freeport and the main boulevard. The policy he said is part of government’s security measures.
Col. Sackor reiterated that they (cyclists) will also be given identification based on their respective localities
Under the new policy he said commercial riders will run from 6am-10pm, while private cyclists will be issued passes to ride at night.
“We want to start full robust enforcement by January 4, and we hope our people will actually work with us (the Liberia National Police) because the issue of enforcement does not just rest with us. We need the collaboration and cooperation of the Liberia National Police,” Deputy Police Inspector General for Operations, Sackor pleaded. Report by William Selmah, wselmah@gmail.com