AWEIL – The Traffic police in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have impounded more than 100 motorcycles in a crackdown targeting riders operating without number plates and valid licenses.
The State Traffic Police Director, Diing Reech Diing, told Sudans Post on Thursday that the operation, launched this week, is aimed at enforcing compliance with traffic regulations and curbing rising cases of road accidents in the state.
“We have been instructed by the Commissioner of Police following a security meeting where ministers passed an order that riders whose motorcycles are not licensed will have them confiscated,” Diing said.
He revealed that at least 112 motorbikes have so far been seized as part of the enforcement exercise.
“Many accidents in the state are caused by riders who operate unlicensed motorcycles. That’s why we are implementing this order to ensure everyone follows the law,” he added.
According to the police director, some of the impounded motorcycles were found using laser beam headlights, which he described as a major cause of nighttime accidents.
“We have repeatedly warned riders against using laser lights because they impair the vision of oncoming drivers and riders at night, often resulting in accidents,” Diing cautioned.
However, some riders have decried the crackdown, saying it is affecting their livelihoods.
One motorcyclist, Deng Dut Bol, said most of them depend on daily income from their motorcycle taxis and cannot afford to pay the full cost of registration at once.
“We live from hand to mouth. It’s hard for us to raise enough money for these documents. If the government allowed us to pay in installments, it would help. But keeping our bikes for long periods is making life very difficult,” he said.
The crackdown follows an earlier warning from traffic authorities last month prohibiting unlicensed riders and teenagers from operating motorcycles.
Officials also appealed to the Ministry of Health to help curb the sale of tramadol and other drugs, which they said are being abused by young riders to stay active, often leading to reckless riding and frequent accidents.
