Illegal sirens: 13 drivers arrested for unauthorised use of sirens, emergency lights on Kasoa-Winneba highway
The Ghana Police Service has on numerous occasions raised concern over the increasing unauthorised installation and use of sirens, strobe lights, and other emergency warning devices on vehicles operated by private individuals and institutions not permitted by law.
The practice poses a serious threat to public safety, creates unnecessary panic on the roads, and contributes significantly to traffic indiscipline nationwide.
Regulation 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) strictly limits the use of sirens, horns, bells, and strobe lights as warning appliances to specific categories of vehicles.
These include government vehicles used for official duties by the Head of State, Police vehicles, Fire Service vehicles, ambulances operated by hospitals or clinics, vehicles belonging to recognized government security agencies, and registered bullion vehicles.
Any individual or institution outside these categories is prohibited from installing or using such devices.
The police has on numerous occasions urged all persons who have unlawfully fixed sirens or strobe lights on their vehicles to remove them voluntarily and warned that offenders who fail to comply will be arrested and prosecuted when apprehended.
Kasoa-Winneba highway operation
Over the weekend, the police initiated a strict enforcement of the regulation as part of efforts to restore discipline and enhance safety on the roads, especially on the Kasoa-Winneba section of the N1 highway.
The Central East Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) arrested 13 drivers for the unauthorised use of sirens and emergency lights during a special enforcement exercise on that stretch.
The Saturday, May 30 operation at Budumburam, formed part of ongoing efforts to enforce road traffic regulations and promote discipline among motorists.
Offenders educated
During the exercise, drivers who were found using sirens and emergency lamps without the required authorisation were immediately ordered to remove or dismantle them as shown in the photo above.
The MTTD Task Force educated the offenders on Regulations 65 and 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), after which they were processed in accordance with the law.
Sirens removed
The unauthorised sirens and lamps were removed from the vehicles, and the drivers were issued warning letters and cautioned against engaging in the practice in the future.
