The Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) has announced plans for an increase in service tariffs, aiming to bolster the sustainability and effectiveness of its operations. The decision, outlined in an internal memorandum, follows extensive discussions and consultations with key stakeholders, including the SLRSA Board and relevant government entities.

Scheduled to take effect on Monday, April 22nd, 2024, the new tariff structure reflects careful consideration of current economic realities. The adjustment is deemed necessary to enable the SLRSA to continue delivering high-quality services to the public, ensuring road safety standards are maintained and enhanced.

Established by an Act of Parliament in 1996 as the Sierra Leone Road Transport Authority (S.L.R.T.A), the SLRSA serves as the primary agency responsible for road safety management in Sierra Leone. Its mandate includes the issuance of licenses for vehicles and individuals, regulation of the road transport sector, and promotion of road safety initiatives aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities.

In 2014, the Sierra Leone Parliament enacted the Sierra Leone Road Safety Act, replacing the S.L.R.T.A Act and refining the agency's focus on effective road safety management. This legislative update aligns with global priorities outlined in the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020), emphasizing the importance of robust road safety management practices to mitigate the growing challenge of road traffic injuries and fatalities.

The decision to adjust tariffs underscores the SLRSA's commitment to fulfilling its mandate in a sustainable manner, ensuring adequate resources are available to support ongoing road safety initiatives. By aligning service tariffs with operational costs and market dynamics, the authority aims to maintain its capacity to deliver essential services while adapting to changing socioeconomic conditions.

As the SLRSA moves forward with the tariff adjustment, it remains dedicated to promoting road safety awareness, enforcing regulations, and collaborating with stakeholders to create safer road environments for all Sierra Leoneans. Through strategic measures such as tariff adjustments, the authority endeavors to contribute to the overarching goal of reducing road traffic accidents and fatalities, ultimately safeguarding lives and livelihoods across the nation.