By Bill W. Cooper
The government has embarked on the implementation of the new ‘No Go Zone’ policy for motorcyclists in central Monrovia in an effort to curb the rising cases of accidents and criminal activities involving motorcyclists.
This policy, according to an agreement reached between the Liberia National Police (LNP) and NAFOMTAL, prohibits motorcyclists and Kehkeh riders from operating in certain designated areas, known as ‘No Go Zones’, during day and night hours.
However, under the revised measures, motorcyclists are allowed to operate on the principal streets of Monrovia under certain restrictions, ranging from mandatory registration to insurance coverage, and the operation of motorcycles with only one passenger wearing a helmet.
Also, for the safety measures, they are to use reflective jackets and protective shoes at all times, while Kehkehs, before using similar routes, must be registered, insured, and are only allowed to carry three passengers and a valid driver’s license.
These restrictions are to be respected by both private and commercial motorcyclists, including journalists, as the agreement was coordinated with Vice president Jeremiah Koung during a meeting with the motorcyclists and Kehkeh riders’ leaders and the LNP.
The enforcement of the policy has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding the government for the decision to improve road safety and reduce crime rates, while others have criticized the policy for obstructing the free movement of vehicles and increasing transport fares.
According to our reporter, who toured several parts of Monrovia, scores of Liberians, especially students, private and public workers, including business people, were forced to take a compulsory walking exercise to reach their final destinations in time.
Majority of them, our reporter explained, were coerced to walk because their fast mode of transportation, which is via motorbikes, having been used over the years, were prevented from plying the main restricted streets and areas until they can meet up with the agreed regulations by law.
On the contrary, other Liberians who fought to board taxis or passenger buses, including private vehicles, to enable them reach to their respective places, also experienced difficulties due to huge traffic which started from ELWA junction to Vamoma junction.
At the same time, the exercise has since sparked mixed views in the public, with some Liberians calling on the government to abandon their action as it is causing them serious embarrassment and challenges getting to work and other places.
Grace Jimmy, who had an early morning engagement but could not make it due to the traffic, said, “This is embarrassing and unfortunate because this whole enforcement process by the police is untimely.”
“Also, we have to be law abiding citizens in this country, and it is about doing the right thing and to avoid doing business as usual because their safety matters and they need to respect the police, but I think the police also need to do some adjustments,” she added.
Meanwhile, passengers riding on various commercial taxis have also begun lamenting the increase in transportation fares by various commercial drivers due to insufficient available motorcycles on the roads.
According to them, they are now paying L$300 each for a ride from ELWA to Monrovia, a substantial increase compared to the usual fare of L$200 LD, while those commuting from Duala are now paying a staggering fare of over L$350, compared to the L$150 and L$200.
“I used to pay a reasonable fare to get to work, but because of today’s ‘No Go Zone’ policy, drivers have their hiked their fares, making it difficult for some of us who might not be able to afford in time to come,” Patience, another commuter stated.
However, it remains to be seen whether these changes will be enough to alleviate the impact of the policy on commuters and transportation fares.
While the government’s intentions may be noble, the first day of the implementation of the policy has undoubtedly had unintended consequences, which have left many questioning its effectiveness and impact on the daily lives of citizens.
