The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has seized about 700 vehicles during a special enforcement exercise in the Western Region targeting the illegal use of sirens, beacon lights and strobe lights.
The operation, carried out in Takoradi and Tarkwa, also resulted in the removal of several unauthorised emergency warning devices from vehicles, while seven illegally installed sirens were confiscated.
The exercise is part of a nationwide campaign to enforce Regulations 65 and 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which reserve the use of emergency warning equipment for authorised state officials and recognised emergency service organisations.
Speaking after the operation, the Director of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, said the exercise became necessary due to the increasing misuse of emergency warning devices by some motorists.
He explained that only the President, designated state officials and approved emergency service institutions are legally permitted to use sirens, beacon lights and strobe lights while performing official duties.
ACP Obeng warned chiefs, politicians, pastors, business executives and other motorists against installing prohibited emergency equipment, stressing that the practice creates confusion on the roads, intimidates other drivers and increases the risk of accidents.
He added that the enforcement exercise would continue daily in Takoradi and Tarkwa as part of a broader nationwide operation.
“Henceforth, you will see the police in Takoradi and in Tarkwa embark on this exercise on daily basis but remember this exercise is also being conducted across the country,” he said.
The Ghana Police Service has urged motorists to comply with the Road Traffic Regulations and avoid unauthorised modifications that violate the law, as efforts continue to improve road safety and discipline nationwide.
By: Prince Martey-Sogar