SLRSA ORDERS STRICT FITNESS TESTS
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 the spate of fatal accidents involving large container trucks in and around the capital Freetown. The SLRSA Executive Director, James Baggison Bio, announced the directive, stressing 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 states. Noncompliance will attract the full force of the law.
The directive follows several high-profile incidents involving container and haulage trucks. On May 8, 2026, a truck crashed 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 Blackhall Road, further underscoring concerns about poorly maintained heavy vehicles, brake issues, and overloading.
These tragedies have prompted strong reactions from residents, commuters, and officials who have called for urgent road safety reforms.
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