By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The Government of Sierra Leone has collected approximately NLe250, 000 in traffic fines during the second quarter of 2026, as the Sierra Leone Police intensified enforcement against road traffic violations across the country.
The figures were disclosed on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, during a police press briefing held at the Police Officers’ Mess in Kingtom, Freetown.
Police authorities said that while the enforcement exercise has generated revenue for the government, its primary objective is to improve road safety, reduce traffic violations and prevent deaths caused by road crashes.
Chief Inspector Edward Kamara, Information Officer at the Traffic Secretariat, described road traffic fatalities as a serious national concern and urged motorists to strictly comply with traffic regulations.
He said the increasing number of people losing their lives in road crashes requires stronger enforcement and greater responsibility from drivers and other road users.
“Road crashes now account for more deaths than major health concerns such as malaria, which presents a critical challenge for our nation,” Chief Inspector Kamara stated.
The nationwide enforcement exercise resulted in hundreds of arrests and significant collections across the country’s six police regions.
In the Eastern Region, police recorded 106 arrests and collected NLe50, 550 in fines. Freetown West recorded 102 arrests and generated NLe49, 745.
The North West Region recorded 119 arrests and collected NLe49, 550, while the North East Region recorded the highest number of arrests, with 133 persons arrested and NLe47, 200 collected.
In Freetown East, police recorded 93 arrests and collected NLe27, 666, while the Southern Region recorded 100 arrests and collected NLe24, 425 in fines.
The combined collections from the six regions amount to NLe249, 136, bringing the total to approximately NLe250, 000.
The police have also launched targeted operations against motorcycle-related traffic violations. Since August 15, 2026, the operations have generated an additional NLe11, 450 in fines.
Chief Inspector Kamara identified several factors contributing to fatal road crashes in Sierra Leone, including vehicle overloading, the operation of unlicensed vehicles and the illegal use of distracting decorative lights.
He urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles are properly licensed and roadworthy, while warning drivers against practices that could endanger passengers, pedestrians and other road users.
According to the Traffic Secretariat, the enforcement campaign is intended primarily to encourage motorists to respect road traffic laws rather than simply punish offenders.
The police said reducing road deaths requires cooperation from all road users, particularly drivers and motorcyclists, who are expected to exercise greater care and responsibility on the roads.
Police authorities maintained that revenue generated from traffic fines is secondary to the broader objective of protecting lives and improving road safety.
The latest figures highlight the scale of traffic violations across the country and the continuing challenge posed by road crashes as authorities intensify efforts to make Sierra Leone’s roads safer.