Liberia bans motorcycle taxis in Monrovia – in pictures

Before motorcycle taxis were barred from operating in central Monrovia, the city's 12,000 pehn-pehn drivers made about 1,800 Liberian dollars per day (£14). Regular work and a steady income kept many young men out of trouble and provided them with a legal means to support their families Photograph: Morgana Wingard

Many of Monrovia's residents enjoyed the convenience of pehn-pehns, which can weave quickly through heavy traffic, before the ban took effect in November. Authorities have criticised pehn-pehn drivers for failing to implement the government's safety policy, which encourages drivers and passengers to wear helmets Photograph: Morgana Wingard

Amid pressure from the government, a growing number of pehn-pehn drivers have begun to wear neon vests, helmets and closed shoes, in line with official safety guidelines. The Liberian health ministry says that in October alone, 1,011 patients were admitted to the city’s hospitals because of motorcycle accidents Photograph: Morgana Wingard

John Saah, Liberia police's traffic chief, directs vehicles at Catholic Junction in Monrovia. He says authorities are trying to curb the ‘carnage and mayhem’ the pehn-pehn drivers cause Photograph: Morgana Wingard

Clarence Quaye (in royal blue), president of the Motorbike Riders Organisation of Liberia, speaks to pehn-pehn drivers at an impromptu rally in a football field in Sinkor district, Monrovia. ‘We are not here for violence,’ he shouts. ‘We are here for a peaceful protest!’ Photograph: Morgana Wingard

Quaye speaks on behalf of the pehn-pehn drivers at the rally. He stands next to the deputy police director for operations, Abraham Kromah. The drivers have said they will continue to protest until the government responds to their concerns Photograph: Morgana Wingard

Musa Sayee Konneh, 30, a former fighter in Liberia's civil war, sits at his home in Monrovia's West Point neighbourhood. He doesn't know how he will support his wife and two children while the ban is in place Photograph: Morgana Wingard

Nicholas Jefferson, 26, uses his bike to support his four-year-old daughter and infant son. ‘I feel hurt,’ he says. ‘Right now I have no means or anything to sustain me and my family’ Photograph: Morgana Wingard

Chou Chou drives a motorcycle taxi to support her children. She is one of the few female pehn-pehn drivers in Monrovia, and is the sole provider in her household. Her entire family is suffering because of the ban, she says Photograph: Morgana Wingard

Dozens of motorcycles are locked up at this parking lot in the West Point area of Monrovia. Sights like this have become commonplace around the city since the ban took effect. The government is negotiating with the motorcycle unions, but so far they have failed to reach an agreement Photograph: Morgana Wingard