By Thaimu T Kamara
Transport operators across Kambia District are now being encouraged to take full advantage of a newly installed electronic vehicle and motorbike licensing system, following a comprehensive engagement hosted by the Sierra Leone Road Safety Corps (SLRSC) in collaboration with the Kambia Division Traffic Unit. The initiative, which took place at the SLRSC headquarters in Kambia, is part of a wider awareness-raising campaign aimed at promoting road safety, encouraging compliance with traffic laws, and making the licensing process more accessible to drivers and motorbike riders in the district.
Addressing the gathering, the District Traffic Officer (DTO) of Kambia Police Division, Assistant Superintendent of Police Brima Ansumana Vandy, underscored the importance of registering and licensing all vehicles and motorbikes. He emphasized that the newly operational electronic licensing machine represents a timely opportunity for operators to regularize their documentation and avoid running afoul of the law. “We urge all drivers and riders to make use of this facility to ensure their vehicles are fully licensed,” ASP Vandy said. He warned strongly against practices such as overloading, reckless driving and riding, speeding, using unlicensed vehicles and motorbikes, and carrying goods and passengers simultaneously, describing them as serious traffic offences that endanger both operators and the public.
Similarly, Assistant Superintendent of Police Tenneh Y. Kamara, Officer Commanding Traffic at Bamoi Luma Police Station, advised transport operators to embrace the electronic licensing system as a practical tool for maintaining proper documentation for their vehicles and motorbikes. He highlighted that compliance with traffic laws is critical not only for avoiding penalties but also for contributing to safer roads in Kambia District.
Superintendent Mansaray, Head of Station at SLRSC Kambia, also addressed the transport operators, calling for close collaboration with the police to ensure the smooth operation of the licensing system. “With this machine now fully functional, drivers and riders must follow the licensing process strictly. It is designed to make registration easier while strengthening road safety enforcement in the district,” he said. He emphasized that operators who comply will avoid unnecessary fines and legal issues, while contributing to a more organized and secure transport environment.
The electronic licensing system, according to SLRSC officials, is part of a broader national effort to digitize vehicle registration and motorbike licensing, reduce bureaucratic delays, and improve overall road safety. By bringing the service closer to operators in districts like Kambia, authorities hope to encourage prompt registration and reduce the use of unlicensed vehicles on the roads, a factor often linked to traffic accidents and law enforcement challenges.
Representatives of motorbike riders and drivers present at the event welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will simplify the licensing process and ensure that transport operators can access services conveniently without traveling long distances. They expressed appreciation to the SLRSC and Kambia District Traffic Unit for their proactive approach and commitment to road safety, pledging to cooperate fully and encourage their colleagues to utilize the electronic system.
The engagement concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which transport operators sought clarification on procedures, costs, and compliance requirements. SLRSC and police officials reassured participants that the system is user-friendly, efficient, and designed to facilitate timely issuance of licenses. Operators were encouraged to register immediately and maintain all relevant documentation to avoid penalties and ensure safer transportation services in Kambia District.
With the electronic licensing system now fully operational, Kambia District is set to experience improved regulatory compliance, safer roads, and more efficient service delivery for drivers and riders alike. Authorities have reiterated that continued collaboration between the police, transport operators, and the community is critical for the success of this initiative and for the broader goal of road safety enhancement across Sierra Leone.