SLRSA Communications & Outreach, Public Relations Unit
Freetown, 1st April, 2026- The Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, James Bagie Bio, has announced a new directive mandating strict vehicle fitness test for all haulage vehicles under Categories E, F, and G as part of efforts to curb the rising rate of road accidents in Freetown.
Speaking to vehicle examiners at the Authority’s Headquarters on Kissy Road, the SLRSA boss emphasized the critical role examiners play in ensuring that vehicles plying the country’s roads are roadworthy. He noted that both government and citizens depend heavily on their technical expertise to safeguard lives and property.
“Your work is central to national safety. The responsibility placed on you cannot be overstated,” he said, urging examiners to demonstrate diligence and professionalism in carrying out their duties.
The directive requires all haulage vehicles within the specified categories to undergo mandatory fitness test for both new registrations and license renewals. This move is expected to tighten regulatory oversight, particularly in the haulage sector, which has been linked to a number of recent road incidents.
The initiative aligns with Sierra Leone’s commitments under the African Road Safety Charter, which seeks to reduce road traffic fatalities by 50 percent by the year 2030. According to Mr. Bio, achieving this target will depend largely on strict enforcement measures and thorough vehicle inspections.
In a further step to modernize operations, the Executive Director instructed Autospect to roll out visual vehicle examination systems across the regions. At the same time, he stressed that SLRSA vehicle examiners must continue to conduct mandatory physical inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards.
“We owe the people of Sierra Leone a duty of care,” he stated. “It is our responsibility to ensure that only safe and roadworthy vehicles are allowed on our roads.”
Also addressing the gathering, the Deputy Executive Director, Josie Scott-Manga, assured examiners that the Authority is committed to resolving operational challenges that hinder their effectiveness.
The new measures are expected to significantly strengthen road safety enforcement and reduce accidents involving heavy-duty and haulage vehicles across the country.
