New traffic bill to be placed before Parliament

Breman Asikuma(CR), April 18, GNA - A new road traffic regulation bill would soon be placed before Parliament for consideration and approval to ensure adequate safety on the roads. The bill when enacted would make it an offence for commercial drivers to use mobile phones while driving, prevent passengers from discussing political issues on vehicles, compel drivers to join transport unions and compulsory usage of seat belt.

Mr Ben Amoabeng Peprah, an Executive Member of National Road Coordinating Council and National Chairman of Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA) announced these during a three-day familiarisation of the Central Region at Breman Asikuma. He visited Breman Asikuma, Assin Fosu, Dunkwa-on-Offin and Agona Swedru to interact with branch union members to know their problems. Mr Peprah said the bill would ensure reduction in road accidents in the country and cautioned drivers to abide by traffic regulations to prevent road accidents.

He pointed out that the council would collaborate with Government to ensure safety on the road and denied that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Government favoured some transport unions. Mr Peprah announced that the association had taken delivery of 120 vehicles for distribution to members nation-wide to improve public transport business.

He warned members to refrain from indulging in politics and not allow politics to affect activities of the association. Nana Yaw Fayah, Central Regional Chairman of PROTOA appealed to the national executive committee to collaborate with Agona West Municipal Assembly to acquire a lorry station. He called on them to resolve crises among branches in the Region, especially Assin Fosu to help promote peace and development.