Ban on tricycles from using highways 5 days away from coming to effect
Plans to ban tricycles popularly known as “Aboboyaa” on major highways will finally take effect according to the Greater Accra Regional Minister Hon Henry Quartey who announced it at a press briefing held at the Conference Room of the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) on Monday, October 25.
According to Mr Quartey, this is part of the efforts by the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) under the “Let’s Make Greater Accra Work” campaign in ensuring strict regulatory compliance with L. I 2180. The Greater Accra Regional Security Council (REGSEC) however has noted with concern the spate of gross indiscipline on our roads being perpetuated, by motorcycle and tricycle riders. In as much as citizens have the right to own and ride motorcycles and tricycles, they must be done in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulations (2012) L. I 2180.
He reiterated that REGSEC in collaboration with other stakeholders in the sector such as the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service, the National Road Safety Authority and the Drivers and Vehicle Licensing Authority is poised to rigorously enforce road traffic regulations in the metropolis with a joint task force, particularly in the areas of crossing traffic lights when it turns red, riding without a license, the use of an unregistered motor bicycle or tricycle and riding without the appropriate gear.
He thus cautioned that “Effective November 1, 2021, no motorized tricycle (Aboboyaa) should ply the motorway.”
However, in line with the intended exercise all motorized tricycles, in particular motorcycle and tricycle riders should keep away from all major highways and principal streets and restrict their operations to community riding by February 1 2021.
All owners of unregistered or uninsured motorcycles and tricycles shall have up to Tuesday, November 30, 2021, to regularize their documentation. Non-compliance with this directive shall be the basis for legal action. Where the motorcycles and tricycles remain unregistered, owners or riders must possess and provide valid customs/shipping documentations.
“All unlicensed motorcycles and tricycle riders shall be arrested, prosecuted and be made to acquire a valid rider’s license. All motorcycle and tricycle riders shall observe all road traffic regulations. Riders who cross the red light as well as violate other traffic regulations shall be arrested and prosecuted.
“All motorcycles, pillion riders and tricycle riders shall wear the appropriate gears i.e. reflective jackets, helmets, knees and elbow protectors and boots where applicable. All motorcycles shall not carry more than two persons i.e. the rider and pillion.
“All offenders will have their motorcycles/tricycles impounded. Offenders will be given a maximum of one month to show cause why the bikes should not be disposed of in accordance with C. I 76 of the Ghana Police Service.”
Mr Quartey called for the general public to support the campaign with sensitization and massive educational programmes to create awareness among the Ghanaian citizenry in a collective effort to make Greater Accra work.
By: Stella Annan | myactiveonline.com Twitter @activetvgh
