-Signs MOU with Union Leadership
By: G Bennie Bravo Johnson
The Liberia National Police and the Liberia Motorcycles and Tricycles Union of Liberia have agreed to begin the “No Go Zone” implementation on May 15, of next month.
The Tricyclic and Motorcyclists agreement was done through the signing of a memorandum of understanding to restrict the movement of riders in areas considered as restricted areas.
Addressing a news conference on Tuesday Deputy Inspector of Police for Operation Nelson Freeman, said the parties have agreed that no motorcyclists will ply the main road from ELWA Boulevard junction to Central Monrovia.
In the same vein, no motorcyclists will ply from central Monrovia to Freeport, as cyclists will be allowed to use RIA and Japan freeway corridors.
The police Deputy for Operation Col, Freeman revealed that the MOU has in it the color coding, training, helmets, jackets, and boots including public safety awareness are included as well.
According to him, motorcycle violators will be given tickets not more than 2500, while tricyclic violators will pay the fines of 3,500 Liberian dollars.
It can be recalled, the Liberia National Police (LNP) at the Ministry of Information Regular Press Briefing on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, through the Inspector General, Col. Gregory Coleman
announced a “NO GO ZONE” for commercial motorcyclists in Monrovia; announcing that there are plans to restrict the movement of commercial motorcyclists in certain areas of the city.
Col. Coleman said the purpose of the “NO GO ZONE” restriction for motorcyclists in Monrovia is to maintain good traffic flow and address safety issues. He stated that safety issues in Liberia pose a significant challenge, particularly on cross-walls and pedestrian crossings.
However, in the past, restricting the movement of commercial motorcyclists sparked controversy due to its impact on the livelihoods of many unemployed youth.
Meanwhile, the president of the Tricyclic and Motorcyclists Union John Kenyor has urged all members of the union to abide by the MOU which was signed and further warned the public against politicizing the enforcement exercise that is intended for public safety.
