The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has impounded about 6,000 vehicles and seized hundreds of illegal sirens, beacon lights, and other unauthorized lamps as part of a nationwide enforcement exercise aimed at improving road safety.
Speaking on Citi News Digest on Saturday, July 18, the Director of Education, Research and Training at the Police MTTD, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, said the operation, which began about a month ago, has been rolled out across all 25 police regions.
According to him, the exercise has uncovered widespread abuse of sirens, strobe lights and beacon lamps by motorists across the country.
“We have intercepted about 6,000 vehicles from which sirens, beacon lights and other unlawful lamps have been seized. About 700 of these are strobes or sirens, and that tells you the magnitude of the problem,” he said.
He stressed that the police remain committed to sustaining the exercise and have extended enforcement efforts to divisional levels to ensure wider coverage.
He warned motorists against acquiring and installing unauthorized sirens, beacon lights and strobe lamps, stressing that police officers would continue monitoring major highways and urban roads nationwide.
“This exercise has become part of our daily operations. Whoever intends to buy another lamp, procure strobe lights, beacon lights or sirens should know that we are ever-present. We will meet you on the N1, N2, N4, N8, N9, N10 and N12 and across all the 16 regions and 25 police regions,” he cautioned.
ACP Obeng noted that the operation is intended to reduce noise pollution and improve visibility for motorists, particularly at night.
He said all intercepted offenders have so far received verbal or written warnings, while the illegal devices have been confiscated.
“All these strobe lights and sirens have been seized from them with either a verbal warning or written warning letters with the hope that they do not commit the offence again. So far, it has been warning, warning, warning and seizures.
“We are seeing increasing compliance. The roads are becoming quieter, and night travel is improving in terms of visibility,” he added.
The MTTD director, however, warned that repeat offenders will face prosecution.
He explained that motorists found violating the regulations after receiving warnings could be arraigned before the court and charged under the relevant road traffic laws.
According to him, successful prosecution could result in fines ranging between GH¢300 and GH¢600, a prison term of up to 30 days, or other sanctions prescribed by law.
