The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (CDAG) has called on President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, to intervene over what it describes as excessive penalty and delinquency fees imposed by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
The Association says the charges for late renewal of drivers’ licences and roadworthiness certificates are placing an additional financial burden on commercial drivers already grappling with rising fuel prices, vehicle maintenance expenses and other documentation costs.
According to CDAG, the DVLA’s escalating delinquency fees unfairly penalise drivers who, for various legitimate reasons, are unable to renew their documents before their expiry dates.
It cited financial difficulties, vehicle breakdowns and travelling outside the country among reasons that could prevent some drivers from renewing their documents on time.
The Association further alleged that renewal costs can double or triple depending on how long a licence or roadworthiness certificate has been expired, describing the situation as an unbearable burden for drivers attempting to regularise their documentation.
CDAG is therefore urging the government to review the penalty regime and consider suspending or reducing the additional fees to enable affected drivers to renew their documents without facing what it considers punitive charges.
The Association also raised concerns over alleged extortion by some personnel of the Ghana Police Service, particularly officers of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), on major roads and checkpoints.
It alleged that some drivers are intimidated or threatened with arrest and the impoundment of their vehicles over minor traffic infractions or expired documents unless they make payments at the roadside.
CDAG claims that such alleged spot payments have become a significant financial burden for commercial drivers, with some reportedly spending a substantial portion of their daily earnings to settle demands from unscrupulous personnel.
The Association is consequently calling for stronger monitoring and accountability within the MTTD to curb alleged extortion and ensure that traffic enforcement is conducted in accordance with the law.
The Public Relations Officer of CDAG, David Agboado, and the National Chairman, Paa Willie, said the Association’s concerns were aimed at protecting the livelihoods of commercial drivers while promoting a fair and transparent regulatory system.
They appealed to the government to engage the Association and other stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the concerns surrounding DVLA penalties and alleged police extortion.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
