The Inspector General of Police, David Asante Apeatu, has announced a partnership with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority(DVLA) to clamp down on people who use sirens unlawfully.
The police have been widely criticized for their inability to arrest drivers who misuse sirens on the roads especially the in the cities.
[contextly_sidebar id=”l0c5e8yq9pdZSYtXbYdnApawi0MzTzz9″]According to the IGP, the abuse of sirens has become a concern for most road users and the public has been advised to report such incidents for immediate action.
Speaking at a joint press conference organized by the two agencies, the Inspector General of Police noted that, the move is necessary to deal with the chaos caused by these defiant road users.
“This joint press conference is intended to address the growing misuse of sirens by certain individuals and institutions in the country. The practice of illegal use of sirens poses a huge risk to unsuspecting road users not to mention the disincentive to our collective fight against noise pollution,” he said.
He noted that the abuse of sirens encourages road users to neglect road safety rules which threatens the safety of road users.
All law enforcers have been advised to take measures to punish offenders.
Offenders of the regulation are liable to a fine of not more than 25 penalty units or a term of imprisonment of not more than 30 days or both.
In March this year, 45 drivers who were arrested for “misusing sirens and hazard lights to beat traffic” were fined a total amount of GH¢25, 710 by the Accra Motor Court.
According to a statement from the Police, some of the recalcitrant drivers were also detained while driving into oncoming traffic.
Prior warning
In April 2017, the Ghana Police Service gave an ultimatum to persons who have unlawfully installed sirens in their vehicles to dismantle them or face the law.
According to the service, it has noted the unauthorized use of sirens and horns by some motorists in the country.
A statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs of the Police Service at the time, Superintendent Cephas Arthur, said only specific state vehicles, ambulance, bullion vans among others, are expected to have and use the sirens and horns.
It warned that institutions that have also installed and are using the sirens and horns must cease the practice or face prosecution.
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By: Farida Yusif/citinewsroom.com/Ghana