HARPER, MARYLAND COUNTY – The Liberia National Police (LNP) have launched a targeted traffic enforcement operation at the intersection of Mechlin Street and Maryland Avenue following a surge in pedestrian complaints and several “near-miss” accidents.
For weeks, residents in Harper have expressed growing alarm over motorists performing illegal U-turns at the busy crossroad. The shift in driver behavior is largely attributed to the recent “explosion” of commercial vehicles traveling between the capital, Harper, and the commercial hub of Pleebo—a result of significantly improved road connectivity between Monrovia and the southeastern region.
While the LNP has historically cited a lack of manpower and logistics as barriers to consistent patrolling, the recent intervention has been met with local approval. Early reports indicate that most drivers are now adhering to the warnings, opting for alternative routes to rejoin Maryland Avenue safely.
Joint Security Enforces Fuel Price Caps
In a simultaneous effort to stabilize the local economy, County Superintendent Henry Cole ordered the strict enforcement of price caps on petroleum products effective December 29.
The mandate follows reports of “unscrupulous” business owners in Harper hoarding gasoline to create artificial shortages and drive up prices. To counter this, members of Liberia’s Joint Security conducted a sweep across the county, resulting in:
- Business Closures: Several gasoline dealerships were temporarily shut down for non-compliance.
- Seizure of Goods: Petroleum products were temporarily confiscated from vendors found price-gouging.
- Price Standardization: A strict limit of $LRD 800 per gallon of gasoline is now being enforced across Maryland County’s urban centers.
Authorities have signaled that these patrols will continue to ensure that both traffic safety and fair market prices are maintained during the busy holiday season.