SLPHA, SLRSA Declare War on Killer Trucks
By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (Kamalo)
The Sierra Leone Ports and Harbours Authority (SLPHA) and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, have announced sweeping new enforcement measures targeting container trucks and haulage operations following a series of deadly road accidents involving cargo vehicles.
The announcement was made in a Joint Press Release issued on Monday 11th May 2026, amid growing public outrage over the alarming rise in fatal accidents linked to container trucks operating across the country.
According to the statement, the latest action follows recent tragic incidents, including a fatal accident involving a fallen container vehicle that reportedly claimed several lives. Authorities admitted that despite existing haulage regulations and routine monitoring, operational lapses and enforcement gaps have continued to expose the public to serious danger.
The release acknowledged that these failures have resulted in catastrophic consequences and stressed the urgent need for tougher enforcement and stronger safeguards to protect lives and property.
Authorities also referenced disturbing videos circulating on social media showing container trucks operating in visibly unsafe and unroadworthy conditions, a development they say further reinforced the need for immediate intervention.
As part of the new crackdown, SLPHA and SLRSA announced the immediate implementation of a series of enhanced safety measures at the Port and along major haulage corridors.
Under the new directives, trucks without valid licences, insurance and operational documents will be denied access to the Port. Vehicles without visible registration number plates will also be barred from entry.
The authorities further disclosed that SLRSA-issued handheld verification devices will now be deployed at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay gate to enable real-time verification of vehicle licences.
In another major move, trucks with worn-out or unsafe tyres will no longer be permitted to transport containers, while vehicles lacking functional container locking mechanisms will also be prohibited from cargo operations.
The two institutions additionally announced plans to jointly engage the Indigenous Transport Owners Association (ITOA) to ensure strict compliance with the new directives.
SLRSA, according to the statement, will intensify nationwide enforcement operations aimed at removing prohibited and unsafe haulage trucks from public roads.
Mandatory roadside inspections are also expected to commence at designated checkpoints, where enforcement teams will verify load security, tyre conditions and overall roadworthiness of container trucks.
Authorities warned that any truck found transporting improperly secured containers or operating with faulty locking systems and safety defects will be immediately impounded and sanctioned in accordance with the law.
The new measures will also see container trucks restricted to designated routes and operating hours where applicable, with violations attracting penalties including suspension of operating licences.
Additionally, SLRSA will deploy mobile enforcement patrols along major haulage routes to monitor compliance in real time and swiftly respond to unsafe practices.
Repeat offenders, including transport companies and individual operators, could face escalating sanctions, including blacklisting from Port access and cargo handling operations.
The statement emphasized that the measures are aimed at improving road safety, strengthening accountability and preventing further tragedies associated with cargo transportation.
Both SLPHA and SLRSA reaffirmed that public safety remains paramount and urged all transport operators, trucking companies, clearing agents and stakeholders to fully comply with the new directives as part of a collective effort to protect lives and property across Sierra Leone.