Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has issued a new directive mandating rigorous vehicle fitness tests for all haulage vehicles in Categories E, F, and G, effective immediately.
The move comes amid growing public concern over a spate of fatal accidents involving large container trucks in and around Freetown.
Executive Director James Baggison Bio announced the directive, stating that all haulage vehicles must undergo strict fitness inspections to ensure they are roadworthy before operating on Sierra Leone’s roads. Only vehicles that pass the comprehensive tests will be permitted to continue operating.
“This measure aims to reduce road accidents and protect lives in Freetown,” the SLRSA stated. Non-compliance will attract the full force of the law.
Recent Tragic Accidents Highlight Urgent Need for Action
The directive follows several high-profile incidents involving container and haulage trucks. On May 8, 2026, a truck carrying a 40-foot container was involved in a devastating crash along the Freetown-Waterloo Highway near Rokel Container Junction, killing at least 10 people. Reports indicated possible brake failure, with the vehicle reportedly striking commuters and bystanders at a busy junction.
Additional container-related accidents have been reported in the same period, including another incident along Black Hall Road, further underscoring concerns about poorly maintained heavy vehicles, brake issues, and overloading.
These tragedies have prompted strong reactions from residents, commuters, and officials, including Freetown Mayor Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, who has called for urgent road safety reforms.
What the New Directive Means
– Mandatory Testing: All haulage vehicles in the specified categories must pass a strict fitness test.
– Roadworthiness Only: Unfit vehicles will be barred from the roads.
– Public Safety Focus: The initiative targets the rising rate of accidents caused by mechanical failures in large commercial vehicles.
– Immediate Effect: Compliance is mandatory with immediate effect.
The SLRSA encourages the public to report unfit vehicles or dangerous driving to authorities. A dedicated contact number has been provided: +232 76 610 706.
SLRSA’s Message
“Roadworthy today, safe tomorrow. Together, we can save lives.”
The Authority’s “Safer Roads, Safer Lives” campaign emphasizes shared responsibility among vehicle owners, drivers, and the public to improve road safety standards across the country.
This latest directive under James Baggison Bio’s leadership signals a stronger enforcement approach by the SLRSA to tackle preventable road fatalities, particularly those involving heavy haulage and container trucks that have recently plagued Freetown’s major highways.
