Heavy-duty truck operators cautioned on safety measures

Accra, Jan. 23, GNA- Provisions have been made in the Road Traffic Act 683, to address the problem of accidents involving heavy duty vehicles carrying containers without safety belts on them. The same provisions have been reinforced in the Road Traffic Regulations, which has been forwarded to cabinet for consideration and onward submission to parliament for ratification.

Mr Godfrey Tangu Bayon, Minister of State at the Ministry of Transportation, said these in response to a question in parliament on Wednesday.

He said "The carriage of container cargo can be very dangerous if regulations regarding loading and fastening are not strictly adhered to. During transportation, containers are under stress from braking and acceleration."

"Loads therefore must be correctly distributed in the container and well secured and fastened by twist locks provided at the four ends of the trailer to minimise the possibility of tipping off of the container during haulage," Mr Bayon said to a question from Mr Raphael Ahaligah, (NDC-Afram Plains South) on steps being taken to minimise accidents involving heavy duty trucks carrying containers.

The Minster said vehicle operators must ensure that all devices for securing load were effective and that all ropes, chains and straps should be fastened.

Additionally, Mr Bayon said container locking handles, should be secured and "drop sides and tail gates fastened."

He said the National Road Safety Commission, as part of its road safety management plans for 2006 to 2010, mounted vigorous campaigns targeting all stakeholders on risks associated with security measures on containers on trailers of heavy goods trucks.

Mr Kwadwo Adjei-Darko, Minister of Local Government, Rural Development and Environment, said it was useless to talk of addressing environmental degradation, if the issue of carbon emissions, which was contributing to global warming was not dealt with.

He said emissions from vehicles and other practices by the population were adding to environmental degradation and called for a sustained educational campaign to secure the environment. Mr Adjei-Darko was contributing to a statement made by Mr Kwame Owusu-Frimpong (NPP-Ahafo Ano North) on the environment and the need to protect lives and property during the harmattan season.

Other members, in their contributions, urged the public to be alert and avoid bush fires during the season.