Police set to tackle road accidents, launches Operation Road Safety

The Gambia Police Force has on Tuesday, 26th April 2022, launched a new initiative dubbed Operation Road Safety. The objective is to tackle the recent surge in road traffic accidents in the country.

The police top command and stakeholders gathered this morning at the office of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Abdoulie Sanyang at the police headquarters in Banjul, to launch the new initiative and strategize its implementation process.

According to a statement issued by the police high command Tuesday morning, the police management is determined to take a holistic approach in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to avert and change the trend of road accidents.

“Series of consultation meetings have been conducted with stakeholders including the National Road Authority (NRA), the Ministry of Works, Transportation, and Infrastructure, Transport Union among others. Henceforth, police officers will be visible every 2 kilometers to observe and enforce all traffic rules & regulations, which include; speeding, vehicle roadworthiness, overloading, triangular reflectors, headlights, fire extinguishers and etc,“ the release stated.

The office of the IGP, the release went on, has also deemed it necessary to introduce an Accident Response Squad and regular Highway Patrols that will help in reducing the spate of accidents.

“In this regard, the office of the IGP uses this opportunity to urge every road user, including motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and every other stakeholder to come together and help in ensuring our roads remain safe by respecting traffic rules & stipulated regulations. Drivers are equally warned to desist from overloading, over-speeding and exhibiting reckless manners whilst driving“.

To this effect, the Inspector General of Police has instructed all Regional Police Commissioners to make sure these rules and regulations are enforced to the latter.