By Grace Q. Bryant
The Ministry of Transport has officially launched the 2024 motor vehicle inspection and registration campaign, which runs from November 13 through mid-December.
The initiative aims to enhance road safety by ensuring all vehicles meet established safety standards.
At the Ministry of Information’s regular press conference on Tuesday, the Assistant Minister for Land and Rail at the Ministry of Transport, Zunu Duyann, detailed the inspection requirements emphasizing that vehicles must be equipped with essential safety items, including fire extinguishers, roadworthiness certification, and appropriate safety gear.
Duyann added that this year’s inspection process will be more streamlined, making compliance easier for vehicle owners and operators.
Duyann noted that digital improvements will make the inspection faster and more efficient than in previous years saying, “We aim to make the process less burdensome for motor vehicle operators.”
In response to recent rumors of discord between the Ministry of Transport, Liberia National Police, and Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service, Minister Duyann dismissed these reports as “false and erroneous,” assuring the public that all relevant agencies are collaborating to ensure the campaign’s success.
The Ministry of Transport also plans to introduce new technology for collecting road safety data, specifically “traffic count” and “hotspot data” tools.
These technologies will help track traffic congestion patterns, identify accident-prone areas, and guide authorities in implementing targeted safety measures.
“This information will not only assist the Ministry of Transport but also support the police in improving traffic management and public safety. Our priority is not revenue collection but the safety of our people,” Duyann emphasized.
Duyann urged vehicle owners to understand that these inspection requirements are designed to prevent accidents, reduce fire hazards, and ensure that all vehicles on Liberian roads are safe to operate.
To comply with the inspection, vehicle owners will need to present valid registration, insurance, proof of roadworthiness, and a fire extinguisher, among other items.
Last year’s data on vehicle fires underscored the importance of this requirement, prompting a stronger partnership between the Ministry of Transport and the National Fire Service to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to public safety and reminded vehicle owners of the legal consequences of non-compliance. Vehicles that fail to meet the required safety standards will be barred from the roads, and continued non-compliance could lead to fines or other penalties.
Duyann concluded by explaining that these safety measures will reduce traffic congestion, address high-accident zones, and foster a culture of safe driving.
“Data on traffic volume, congestion, and accidents will allow us to make informed decisions on how best to deploy resources and address safety issues where they are most needed,” he said.
Responding to public concerns that the inspection might prioritize revenue collection over safety, Duyann clarified that the Ministry’s primary concern is public safety.
“This isn’t about revenue. We are here to ensure that every vehicle on the road is safe, and this inspection is crucial to that goal,” he stressed.
The Ministry of Transport remains dedicated to ensuring that Liberian roads are safe for all and encourages vehicle owners to comply with inspection requirements for a safer Liberia.
