Police impound 6,000 vehicles, seize illegal sirens, beacon lights in nationwide operation

The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has impounded about 6,000 vehicles and confiscated hundreds of illegal sirens, beacon lights and other unauthorised lighting devices as part of a nationwide enforcement exercise to improve road safety.

Speaking on Citi News Digest on Saturday, July 18, the Director of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, said the month-long operation is being carried out across all 25 police regions.

According to him, the exercise has exposed the widespread misuse of sirens, strobe lights and beacon lamps by motorists.

"We have intercepted about 6,000 vehicles from which sirens, beacon lights and other unlawful lamps have been seized. About 700 of these are strobes or sirens, and that tells you the magnitude of the problem," ACP Obeng said.

He noted that the police intend to sustain the operation, adding that enforcement has now been extended to divisional commands to broaden its reach.

ACP Obeng cautioned motorists against purchasing or installing unauthorised sirens, beacon lights and strobe lamps, warning that officers would continue monitoring major highways and roads across the country.

"This exercise has become part of our daily operations. Whoever intends to buy another lamp, procure strobe lights, beacon lights or sirens should know that we are ever-present. We will meet you on the N1, N2, N4, N8, N9, N10 and N12 and across all the 16 regions and 25 police regions," he warned.

He explained that the operation is designed not only to enforce road traffic regulations but also to reduce noise pollution and improve visibility for road users, especially during night-time travel.

ACP Obeng disclosed that motorists found with the illegal devices have so far been issued either verbal or written warnings, while the prohibited equipment has been confiscated.

"All these strobe lights and sirens have been seized from them with either a verbal warning or written warning letters with the hope that they do not commit the offence again. So far, it has been warning, warning, warning and seizures."

He added that the exercise is already yielding positive results.

"We are seeing increasing compliance. The roads are becoming quieter, and night travel is improving in terms of visibility."

However, the MTTD director stressed that the period of warnings will not last indefinitely, cautioning that repeat offenders will face prosecution.

He said motorists who continue to flout the regulations after being warned could be arraigned before the courts and prosecuted under the country's road traffic laws.

According to ACP Obeng, those found guilty could face fines ranging from GH¢300 to GH¢600, a prison sentence of up to 30 days, or any other sanctions prescribed by law.