FREETOWN – Sierra Leone Police have collected almost NLe 250,000 in traffic fines during the second quarter of 2026 as part of a stepped-up nationwide drive against reckless driving and other road offences.
The figures were released on Wednesday, 9 September 2026, at a press briefing held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Freetown.
Despite the significant sums generated through enforcement, senior officers stressed that the real cost of road crashes continues to mount, with fatalities posing a growing threat to lives across the country.
Chief Inspector Edward Kamara, Information Officer for the Traffic Secretariat, pointed to a worrying increase in traffic-related deaths and called on motorists to obey the rules of the road.
“Road crashes now account for more deaths than major health concerns such as malaria, which presents a critical challenge for our nation,” Kamara said.
The enforcement operations covered all regions and resulted in hundreds of arrests and the following fine collections:
– Eastern Region: 106 arrests – NLe 50,550
– Freetown West: 102 arrests – NLe 49,745
– North West Region: 119 arrests – NLe 49,550
– North East Region: 133 arrests – NLe 47,200
– Freetown East: 93 arrests – NLe 27,666
– South Region: 100 arrests – NLe 24,425
Separate operations targeting motorcycle violations, which began on 15 August, have so far brought in an additional NLe 11,450.
Chief Inspector Kamara identified vehicle overloading, the use of unlicensed vehicles, and the illegal fitting of distracting decorative lights as major contributors to fatal crashes.
Police authorities made clear that while the campaign has produced notable revenue, its main purpose remains the protection of lives, the reduction of casualties, and safer roads for all Sierra Leoneans.
