The Ghana Police Service has removed unauthorised sirens and strobe lights from 11,292 vehicles across the country as part of an ongoing crackdown on the illegal use of emergency and security equipment.
The exercise, which began about a month ago, has been conducted across the country’s 25 police regions, with the police targeting vehicles fitted with sirens and strobe lights without the required authorisation.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Alexander Kwaku Obeng, Director in Charge of Education, Research and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), disclosed the figures on Monday during an engagement with journalists in Kumasi.
According to him, police officers have been removing the unauthorised equipment whenever such vehicles are intercepted.
The Ashanti Region alone recorded 1,736 vehicles as of Monday morning, making it one of the regions with a significant number of vehicles affected by the enforcement exercise.
ACP Obeng said the exercise was intended to enforce existing regulations governing the installation and use of sirens and strobe lights on vehicles.
He stressed that vehicles not authorised to use such equipment are operating unlawfully and must have the devices removed.
The Police said the use of unauthorised sirens and strobe lights by private and other non-designated vehicles could enable motorists to gain undue priority on public roads and create confusion with legitimate emergency and security operations.
The nationwide exercise is expected to continue as the Police seek to ensure compliance with regulations and prevent the misuse of equipment reserved for designated emergency and security vehicles.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
