Sirens
The Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has apprehended 17 persons for allegedly using sirens unlawfully on the roads.
The suspects were arrested in a special operation at different locations in Accra in April this year.
Their sirens were dismantled and detached from their vehicles in the course of the operation and were warned to be of good behaviour.
On April 5, 2017, the police administration issued a statement warning motorists who had been using siren unlawfully to desist from the practice.
Superintendent Cephas Arthur, director in-charge of the Police Public Affairs Directorate who issued the statement, said it had come to the notice of the police administration the abuse of such sirens on the roads contrary to Regulations 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations of 2012 (LI 2180).
He said the regulation requires that a person shall not fit on a motor vehicle warning appliances other than the type approved by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
“The law is clear on who can install and use motor warning appliances, including bells and sirens in their vehicles,” Supt Cephas Arthur indicated.
“The law lists categories of entities permitted to install and use sirens and horns, and they include a government vehicle used for official purposes by the head of state, a police vehicle, a motor vehicle used by the Fire Service, a motor vehicle used as an ambulance by a hospital or clinic, a motor vehicle used by other recognized government security agencies and a bullion vehicle registered by the Licensing Authority,” he pointed out.
Offenders were therefore given two weeks to destroy the sirens fixed on their vehicles if they were not part of the categories of entities permitted to use sirens and horns on the roads.
DSP Emmanuel Adu Boahen, leader of the taskforce of personnel who embarked on the special operation, said offenders arrested were warned not to repeat the act again after their sirens had been dismantled.
He said the police administration had instructed its personnel stationed at various points to be on the alert and arrest anybody who commits the act.
He also asked the public and other motorists to report recalcitrant drivers who use sirens without authority to the police.
By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey
(lindatenyah@gmail.com)