It is becoming increasingly clear that sections of Ghanaian motorists have been breaking the Road Traffic Regulation 2012 [L.I. 2180], which is the law governing the use of our roads in this country.
Sections of our motorists, especially, government and state officials as well as micro-finance and private security companies, have been installing top lights and sirens on their vehicles and using them to evade traffic, in utter disregard for road traffic regulations.
Also worrying is the circumstance where some drivers, who have vehicles which are not fitted with sirens, in their bid to beat traffic, put on their double indicators and engage in reckless driving, posing a danger to other road users.
The Chronicle thinks the time has come for the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo-led government to ensure that the Ghana Police Service sits up and takes the necessary action to arrest and prosecute motorists who are abusing the use of horns and sirens on our roads.
On March 21, 2015, the police administration announced it would embark on a nation-wide operation to arrest and prosecute all motorists who misuse sirens on the roads.
Again, on April 5, 2017, the service issued a one-week ultimatum to all motorists who have illegally installed and are using sirens to dismantle same forthwith, or face prosecution.
But, on all occasions, the Police Service, which is expected to uphold the law and protect the good citizens of this nation of ours, for whatever reason, failed to crack the whip.
Perhaps, that is the reason why the unlawful act is currently on the ascendency.
Regulation 74(2) of the Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 (L.I. 2180) states: A person shall not fit on a motor vehicle a warning appliance other than a type approved by the Licensing Authority (DVLA).”
The law continued to list state entities, which are permitted to install and use sirens and horns as follows:
(a) A government vehicle used for official purposes by the Head of State
(b) A police vehicle
(c) A motor vehicle used by the Fire Service
(d) A motor vehicle used as an ambulance by a hospital or clinic
(e) A motor vehicle used by other recognised government security agencies
(f) A bullion vehicle registered by the licensing authority.
Even though, the police had warned on a number of occasions that that it is an offence for any person who does not fall within the list of the above entities to install or use sirens and horns, it has not been able to apprehend anybody, let alone, prosecute the person.
Last Saturday, around 4:00pm, along the Spintex Road, The Chronicle witnessed a scene that was so worrying that it requires the urgent attention of our road authorities and the police.
There was this police dispatch rider leading a group of people who were on their way to a funeral. Where the funeral was taking place, we did not know.
Leading a convoy of these people attending a funeral, the dispatch rider had his siren on blowing all the way through traffic, paving the way for the several sports utility vehicles (SUVs) following to enable them drive smoothly to their destination.
If the police who are expected to uphold the law on blowing of horns and sirens could escort and provide easy access to funeral goers, then it stands to reason that anybody, even tomato sellers, could walk to the police and request an escort to buy the produce from the farm.
The Chronicle reiterates its call on the government to whip the Ghana Police Service into line to push them to make sure the tenets of Regulation 74(2) of the Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 (L.I. 2180) are adhered to.
The government must further realise that the act of allowing anybody to abuse the use of horns and sirens on our roads could have a negative effect on its performance in the 2020 General Elections.
The Nana Akufo-Addo government must get the police to uphold the law and protect the people at all times, else, it will lose the confidence of the people.
It is becoming increasingly clear that sections of Ghanaian motorists have been breaking the Road Traffic Regulation 2012 [L.I. 2180], which is the law governing the use of our roads in this country. Sections of our motorists, especially, government and state officials as well as micro-finance and private security companies, have been installing top […] Read Full Story
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