SLRSA Imposes NLe20,000 Fine for Traffic Obstruction in Freetown

SLRSA Imposes NLe20,000 Fine for Traffic Obstruction in Freetown

The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has announced a stringent new penalty for drivers who abandon vehicles on major Freetown roadways, a measure particularly emphasized during the December festive season.

Deputy Executive Director Josie Abraham Scott-Manga stated that offenders will now incur a fine of NLe20,000 (equivalent to Le 20 million old currency) as part of a significant operation designed to enhance road safety and prevent obstruction across the city.

According to Scott-Manga, the SLRSA has established a cooperation agreement with the Sierra Leone Police to ensure comprehensive enforcement throughout Freetown. The joint task force has already successfully cleared severe traffic congestion caused by improperly parked trucks and commercial vehicles from Cline Town to Upgun, and this enforcement initiative is slated to continue throughout the holiday period.

He clarified that the substantial fine is intended to strongly deter large trucks and other vehicles from obstructing traffic, thereby mitigating dangerous conditions and the lengthy commuter delays they cause. Scott-Manga highlighted that abandoned vehicles have regrettably been linked to tragic accidents and the loss of lives in Sierra Leone.

Scott-Manga emphasized that this enforcement effort is not limited to the festive season. The operation will continue through January and into 2026 to ensure the permanent restoration of order on Freetown’s busiest routes. Furthermore, he confirmed that monitoring activities will soon be expanded to include the area up to Mile 38 to guarantee full compliance.

“If a vehicle is parked illegally, it will be towed, and the NLe20,000 fine will be levied,” he warned, confirming that SLRSA personnel will be conducting frequent patrols to ensure adherence to the regulations.

The Authority’s primary objective is to safeguard road users, optimize traffic flow, and maintain safety for all individuals traveling within and out of the capital.