Police change Gear On No Go Zone Mandate

Days to enforcing the restrictions on motorcyclists known as “phem -phem riders” and tricyclists known as “Kekeh” within Monrovia, the  Liberia National Police Inspector General, Col. Col. Gregory Coleman,  has reversed said decision.

Addressing a  press conference on Thursday, May 9, 2024, Col. Coleman said the  mandate of the restrictions, which was key for public safety,  is being reversed as a result of several appeals from the public, the Vice President of Liberia, Jeremiah Koung and other key actors in Liberia.

Recently,  IG Coleman  encouraged citizens to sit and dialogue on ways and recommendations to work in improving the public safety than politicizing and pushing riders to protest or resist the May 15 action by LNP.

IG Coleman added that the police plan is to prioritize safety for every Liberians who is a family person and the riders are the most vulnerable people in the traffic. Based upon that, they should be restricted on how to use the road.

According to the World Bank, the World Health Organization and International Road Safety groups, they have reported that Liberia is among countries with high rate of road accidents and pointing directly to motorcycles. Another data, which was published in 2020 by WHO, said “Traffic Accidents Deaths in Liberia reached 1,920 or 5.70% of total deaths.”

He furthered that after several meetings with meaningful citizens, motorcyclists riding from ELWA Road to Sinkor must be fully in compliance with restrictions laid down by the LNP. “They should be properly attired with head helmets for their self along with one for passengers. A reflector jackets, safety boots and must be registered with the Ministry of Transport.” He stressed.

This effort to insure riders wear safety items was a difficult task for the Patrick Sudue’s administration, adding that this measure will begin Friday, May 15, the full enforcement of the law in terms of traffic regulations will begin.

Furthermore, this measure will be actively enforce for only three months for cyclists using the ELWA road through Sinkor to Freeport, after the three month the measure will be enforce to all in cyclist in Liberia. At the same time, the National Association of Motorcycle and Tricycle Union of Liberia President- John Kenyor welcomed the decision of the LNP and will be committed in working with his colleagues to adhere to the new measures.  Also speaking was the aggrieved motorcyclists head named Darius Kollie. He  said they have been in constant negotiations with authorities from the LNP to modify the restrictions.