By Precious D. Freeman
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has reconsidered its May 15 No-Go Zone restrictions against the Motorcyclists and Tricycles Movement in Montserrado County.
Addressing a news conference yesterday, LNP Inspector General, Gregory Coleman, said motorcyclists who want to ply the No-Go Zone should be in full compliance with their mandate.
According to him, all of the motorcyclists that want to ride on the main street should make sure that their motorbikes are insured and registered with the Ministry of Transport, and the motorcyclists should have helmets for them and their passengers, proper gear on their feet, reflector jackets, safety shoes, and view mirrors, among others.
IG Coleman disclosed that the restrictions were modified following a meeting with Vice president Jeremiah Koung, who requested that they should temper justice with mercy on behalf of the motorcyclists.
“We have all agreed that the law will be imposed and the safety of the citizens will be prioritized. Our concern about this enforcement measure is about the safety of the nation and not to intimidate people’s livelihoods,” he said.
He further said that beginning May 15, the restrictions will start from the areas that they have designated, from ELWA Junction to Freeport.
“In the next three months, we will give it as a grace period for people riding in other parts of the city, so that they can be able to generate more funds to be able to comply as well, and after three months, the enforcement will be extended to other parts of Montserrado,” he explained.
He noted that beginning May 15, ELWA Junction to Freeport will be a straight enforcement zone for all of the vehicles and traffic law of Liberia.
Speaking further, the Board Chair for National Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Association of Liberia, Darius Kollie, mentioned that, in an effort to ensure the full compliance and that cyclists are respected and able to ply the streets, they must engage the appropriate LNP authority, for which VP Koung’s office made a recommendation.
According to him, their recommendations that were made requested that cyclists be given access to the main street, and they have been reconsidered and given full compliance to obey.
He is, however, encouraging motorcyclists and tricyclists to ensure that they are in full compliance with the LNP requirements, in order to not be punished.
