Statewide Sweep Targets Unlicensed Wheels
The traffic department in Northern Bahr el Ghazal this week rolled out its toughest sweep in years, ordering officers to seize any motorcycle lacking plates or licenses.
Numbers Behind the Operation
State Traffic Police Director Diing Reech Diing said 112 bikes were removed from Aweil’s streets within three days, following directives issued after a high-level security meeting.
Officials link the sweep to a spike in collisions, noting that unregistered riders accounted for a majority of the 37 road incidents logged this quarter.
Laser Headlights Under Scrutiny
A review of accident reports flagged powerful after-market laser headlights as a recurring factor in nocturnal crashes.
“They blind oncoming traffic,” Diing stressed, arguing that confiscation is preferable to mourning preventable deaths.
Riders Voice Economic Strain
Self-employed riders say the enforcement is biting harder than anticipated, freezing the daily cash flow that keeps food on their tables.
Deng Dut Bol urged a staggered payment plan for registration fees, describing current lump-sum charges as “impossible for hand-to-mouth families.”
Health Concerns Fuel Authorities’ Warning
Police commanders also appealed to the Health Ministry to slow the sale of tramadol and similar stimulants that some riders reportedly use to combat fatigue.
Medical officers in Aweil Civil Hospital confirm a surge in drug-related trauma cases, linking chemically fueled night rides to higher casualty rates.
What Comes Next for Aweil’s Roads?
The current sweep is slated to run until all seized bikes meet licensing standards, after which a permanent inspection unit will patrol major junctions.
Local authorities hint at road-safety workshops for riders, pairing stricter policing with public education to reduce accidents sustainably.