Drivers Strike as Police Bar Commercial Vehicles at Goodrich Street Parking Lot
By S.B Amara
Commercial drivers in Freetown have staged a protest following a decision by the Sierra Leone Police to stop vehicles from using Goodrich Street as a passenger pick-up point.
According to the police, drivers have been redirected to operate from Elke Street, located behind the Annie Walsh Memorial School. The move, however, has sparked frustration among drivers, many of whom say the decision was sudden and disruptive to their daily operations.
Drivers described the development as a shock, noting that Goodrich Street has served as a major boarding point for years. They argued that Elke Street is too narrow and frequently used by residents, making it unsuitable for the volume of vehicles and passengers the area accommodates.
Many drivers emphasized that their work is their primary source of livelihood, supporting their families, and warned that the abrupt relocation could severely affect their income. They also raised concerns about the impact on commuters, including schoolchildren, office workers, and market women, who rely on the Goodrich Street hub for transportation to various parts of the Western Area.
Passengers, they added, are already facing difficulties accessing transport, as the new location cannot effectively handle the high traffic flow. Drivers further pointed out that vehicles operating from the area serve multiple routes across the Western Rural District, which Elke Street may not be able to accommodate.
Responding to the concerns, the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) at the Eastern Police Station, Chief Inspector Sembu V.J. Kamara, defended the decision. He stated that Goodrich Street is a high-risk zone where accidents have occurred frequently, making it unsafe for continued use as a loading point.
He explained that upon his transfer to the Eastern Police Division, efforts were made to engage driver representatives to discuss safety measures and find a sustainable solution, but no agreement was reached. He also noted that the area is heavily used by high-profile individuals and has become congested and poorly maintained.
Chief Inspector Kamara clarified that the police have not banned commercial transport operations but have only redirected drivers to a safer location. However, he alleged that drivers’ leadership instructed members not to operate unless they were allowed to return to their former parking point.
The standoff has left many commuters stranded, while drivers continue to call on authorities to urgently intervene and review the decision to prevent further disruption to livelihoods and public transportation.
