Ban On Right-Hand Drive Vehicles 1st September

The Public Relations Officer of the Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority (SLRTA), Abdul Karim Dumbuya has disclosed to this medium that the ban on right-hand drive vehicles would affect those vehicles to be imported after the deadline of 1^st September this year and encouraged those that have already registered their vehicles to convert them to left-hand drive.

Abdul Karim Dumbuya stated that for the ban to be enforced, SLRTA recently established a centre at the Queen Elizabeth II Quay to prevent the landing of imported right-hand drive vehicles on the high seas asserting that with effect from 1^st September, 2013, no right-hand drive vehicles would be allowed into the country.

He further revealed that registered right-hand drive vehicles would continue to ply the country until 1^st September, 2014 but would not be registered in accordance with Section 73 of the Road Traffic Regulation 2011 which states, “no motor vehicle shall be registered, used or allowed to be used if the steering apparatus is fitted at the right-hand side of the vehicle.”

Abdul Karim Dumbuya further stated that right-hand drive vehicles contribute between 60-70% of road accidents underscoring that to enhance the road safety campaign, the Authority thought it prudent to ban them.

According to Mr. Dumbuya, the Transport and Aviation Ministry, in collaboration with SLRTA, has issued a press release on the further importation of right-hand drive vehicles effective 1^st September, 2013 which among others state that licensed right-hand vehicles already in the country would be allowed to operate for twelve months but would not be licensed afterwards.

Furthermore, the ban primarily targets all right-hand vehicles that have been imported or to be imported into Sierra Leone after 1^st September, 2013.

However, all vehicles shipped before 1^st September, 2013 to be supported by documentary evidence of such shipment will be licensed to operate and given twelve months deadline to covert as all right-hand drive vehicles shipped after 1^st September, 2013 will not be licensed and therefore will not be allowed to leave the quay.

This decision has been taken in the best interest of public safety and in conformity with ECOWAS Protocol after extensive consultations between the Ministry of Transport and Aviation, SLRTA, Motor Drivers’ Union and other stakeholders.

It could be recalled that Transport and Aviation Minister, Leonard Balogun Koroma, aka Logus, said during the official launch of the 2244 Free Toll Lines that there is the political will to effect the ban as right-hand drive vehicles contribute 60 to 70% of road crashes.

According to the Minister, part of President Koroma’s Agenda for Prosperity would be realized through the implementation of the seven SLRTA recommendations that includes the provision of a regulated parking regime; efficient and decentralized vehicle testing, examination and licensing centers and toll free lines to enhance road safety by the timely towing of derelict or abandoned and accident vehicles.

By Abdul R. Bedor Kamara

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