By: Kemo Kanyi
In a bid to uphold peace, security, and order, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Seedy Muktar Touray has issued a strong warning to motorists driving vehicles without valid number plates. Speaking on Wednesday, IGP Touray emphasized that such vehicles will be impounded immediately, and offenders will face fines.
He reiterated that displaying alphanumeric registration plates issued by the Gambia Police Force (GPF) is a legal requirement, yet many motorists continue to disregard this directive. While the regulation has been in place for some time, enforcement has been lax, he admitted.
Acknowledging weaknesses in police implementation, IGP Touray assured the public that enforcement will be reinforced starting February 12, 2025. He urged all motorists to comply with the law to avoid penalties.
“Perhaps I will accept that the enforcement aspect of it from us The Gambia Police Force is a little bit lacking, but from today any driver who wants to enjoy the comfort of your vehicle without discomforting innocent children who are suppose to be transported to and from school, please make sure you have your number plates fixed on your cars or vehicles. Failure to do this, the car will be impounded, and there will be a heavy fine on the spot before you can get back your vehicle. This is not an appeal, but a warning,” he firmly asserted during a press conference on Wednesday.
He added that the expectation of the police is that its efforts into this cause are to be supported by all and sundry. He called on the security fraternity to adhere to this directive as they [security] are the people who mostly abuse this act.
“You will have your number plates fixed in front of the car, but at the rear, you deliberately remove it with a simple pretext or excuse that it’s damage or broken. This will not be accepted any longer,” he emphasized the warning to the security fraternity.
He, therefore, urged the mobile traffic officers to ensure that the directive from the Inspector General of Police is implemented to the latter.
