The government has again announced a new “no-go-zone” restriction for motorcyclists operating in key areas of Monrovia, aim to restore order and ensure public safety.
The announcement comes just a day after a violent protest erupted; during which motorcyclists were seen destroying police checkpoints and demanding justice for their grievances, following the death of one of their colleagues who was involved into an incident with a truck.
However, the restrictions which encompass the stretch from Boulevard Junction to Central Monrovia and from Freeport to Central Monrovia will remain in effect until motorcyclists in the affected areas comply with established security measures.
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, several motorcyclists, during the afternoon hour gathered in the street, precisely around the Sinkor belt to vent their frustration by what they described as police harassment, unjust treatment and the protection of truck drivers at their detriment.
The situation soon escalated as the group, chanting slogans demanding justice and an end to police brutality began to dismantle police checkpoints and the damaging of some police booths planted along the road.
The LNP later responded with a heavy police presence, which was successful in calming the situation, ensuring the restoration of law and order, with citizens going about their normal business activities that were earlier stalled for hours.
In reaction to the situation, the LNP Deputy Inspector General for Operations, Cllr. Nelson Freeman, narrated that the decision is part of a broader effort to address security concerns and ensure public safety in the bustling capital.
In an interview with ELBC Super Morning Show yesterday, February 20, 2025, Deputy IG Freeman further intoned that the enforcement takes immediate effect, following yesterday’s violent removal of checkpoints, dismantling of police booths and blockading of major streets.
Cllr. Freeman also cited, increasing incidents involving motorcycle-related accidents and criminal activities, especially in the busy corridor connecting Boulevard Junction to Central Monrovia and Freeport to Central Monrovia.
He asserted, “Effective immediately, motorcyclists are prohibited from operating in the designated no-go zones, and this measure is necessary to ensure public safety and to maintain law and order in the communities.”
“This restriction would remain in place until motorcyclists in the affected areas demonstrate compliance with security measures, including the registration of their motorcycles and adherence to traffic regulations.
“Let it be made clear that we are not against motorcyclists; we recognize their importance in our transportation system. However, we must ensure that they operate within the confines of the law,” Freeman added.
The LNP Deputy IG further called on the public, including the media and motorcyclist associations to assist in disseminating information about the new regulations and to encourage compliance among their members and motorcyclists.
Meanwhile, our reporter, touring the major streets yesterday, observed that the enforcement of the no-go zones is already being carried out by police patrols, as some violators are now facing immediate arrest and confiscation of their motorcycles.
However, the announcement of the no-go zones has sparked mixed reactions among the motorcycling community, with some riders and commuters expressing understanding of the need for order, while others voiced their concerns about the impact of the restrictions on their livelihoods.