The President-General of the Liberia Motorcycle Transport Union (LMTU), Mr. L. Kutubu Sherif, has called on motorcyclists in the country to continue to abide by the 10 PM regulation imposed by the Liberia National Police (LNP).The LNP in December 2012 imposed a 10 PM regulation on motorcycle transportation in the country until January of 2013. Police authorities have said the regulation has drastically reduced crime in the city and its environs.
On Monday, the Secretary General of the LMTU, Mr. Robert Sammie called on motorcyclists in the country to no longer abide by the Police regulation. He pointed out that the police has failed to live up to its promise of lifting the restriction in January of this year.
Mr. Sammie added that since the expiration of the restriction, they (LMTU) have held series of meetings with the LNP aimed at lifting the restriction, but proved unsuccessful.
Police Spokesman, Sam Collins said the restriction is still in force and warned motorcyclists that violators will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with law.
According to Mr. Sherif, “the statement by Mr. Sammie did not meet the approval of the six-man Executive Committee.” He said lifting of the restriction should be done through negotiations and not by force as being recommended by the Secretary General.
He furthered that consultations should be reached between the leadership of the LMTU and the LNP aimed at extending the restriction up to 11PM.
Since the imposition of the 10PM restriction in Monrovia, some Liberians have complained of serious transportation difficulties during night time. They wants the Police to lift the ban or increase the time by an hour or two.
However, others viewed the Police's action as in the right direction and said the ban has drastically reduced crimes in the city and elsewhere. They said Liberia is among few countries in the sub region where motorcyclists ply the streets at night.
Last year, the Director of Police, Chris Massaquoi announced that he has no plan to lift the restriction. He added that the 10PM restriction on motorcyclists is a beginning of regulating the motorcycle transportation in Liberia.
He said the Police was in negotiations with the National Transit Authority to extend its bus services up to 12:00 mid night and beyond. But since the pronouncement by the Police Chief, there has been little or no information about the level of progress being made by the Police in providing after hours transportation for commuters. Author's contact, 231886270297; email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
