By By: The People News Online
Monrovia — The National Federation of Motorcycle and Tricycle Association of Liberia has condemned the Liberian Traffic Management for issuing what it calls “substandard” license plates to tricycle operators, warning the plates are easily tampered with and could worsen theft in the transport sector.
In a strongly worded statement, NAFOMTAL said the plates currently being distributed “can easily be peeled off from the metal backing, replaced with another printed sticker, and used to conceal the identity of stolen tricycles.” The group argued the flaw is “irresponsible and dangerous” amid a surge in tricycle theft nationwide.
“This alarming vulnerability will only exacerbate the already troubling wave of theft affecting hardworking Liberian riders and owners,” the statement read.
NAFOMTAL said the situation undermines the intent behind the Government of Liberia’s decision to outsource key Ministry of Transport functions to LTM. “It was the expectation of the Liberian people that such an arrangement would bring about greater efficiency, professionalism, credibility, and security in the vehicle registration and identification process. Sadly, the current reality appears to be the exact opposite,” the federation said.
The organization is calling for an immediate recall of all plates issued to its members and a replacement with “durable, tamper-proof, and internationally acceptable plates that can enhance security and accountability within the transport sector.”
NAFOMTAL warned it would pursue legal action if corrective steps are not taken. “Failure to take immediate corrective action will leave us with no alternative but to seek legal redress in order to protect the interests, safety, and livelihoods of our members,” the statement said.
The group also urged intervention from key government bodies, copying the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Transport, Senate Committee on Transport, and the Liberia National Police. “We further urge the relevant government institutions to urgently intervene in this matter before the situation spirals further out of control,” it added.
The statement was signed by John Moses, NAFOMTAL’s Vice President for Administration. He listed 0777684934 and 0881965275 as contact numbers.
As of press time, the Liberian Traffic Management had not publicly responded to the allegations. The Ministry of Transport and other agencies copied in the statement have also not issued comments.
Tricycles, locally known as “kehkehs,” are a major part of Liberia’s urban and rural transport network. Operators have repeatedly raised concerns over theft and weak registration systems that make stolen units hard to trace.
