DVLA Collaborates With Ghana Police To Stop Reckless Usage Of Sirens

The Inspector General of Police David Asante Apeatu has announced a partnership between the Police and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority(DVLA) to clamp down on people who use siren unlawfully.

The police have been widely criticised for their inability to arrest drivers who misuse siren on the roads especially the in the cities.

According to him, the abuse of the siren has become a torment for most road users and the public has been advised to report such incidents for immediate arrest.

Speaking at a joint press conference organized by the two agencies the Inspector General of Police noted that, the move is necessary to clamp down 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 mention the disincentive to our collective fight against noise pollution,” he said.

He noted that the abuse of sirens has caused the road users to neglect road safety rules which thereby compromise the safety of road users.

All law enforcers have been advised to take every measure to enforce the law.

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 30days or both.

In March this year,45 drivers who were arrested for “ misusing sirens and hazard lights to beat traffic” have been 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.