By: Akoi M. Baysah, Jr.
The Liberia National Police (LNP) through its public safety division has unveiled a tougher traffic enforcement regime, announcing hefty fines and jail terms for motorists and pedestrians in a bid to curb rising road accidents nationwide.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for Public Safety, Fred Gaye, warned that the harshest penalties target those found with fraudulent driver’s licenses, carrying fines of up to US$5,000 or prison sentences of up to three years.
Gaye stressed that other serious traffic offenses will also no longer go unpunished.
He said overloaded vehicles and reckless driving will attract US$500 fines or six months’ imprisonment, while driving without a valid license carries the same penalty.
According to him, motorists operating uninsured vehicles face fines of US$1,000 or one year behind bars, and failure to register a vehicle could lead to six months in prison or a US$500 fine.
Pedestrians, according to the police are not exempt of the of enforcement as Individuals crossing major roads outside designated crossings will face US$5 fines, as the LNP moves to enforce rules for all road users.
Deputy Commissioner Gaye stressed that the measures aim to “reduce accidents, save lives, and enforce discipline on our roads,” adding that enforcement will be nationwide and uncompromising.
The LNP is urging every Liberian driver or pedestrian to comply fully with traffic laws, warning that violators will be punished to the full extent of the law.
