Apam GPRTU ban loading of rickety vehicles.

Apam (C/R), May 21, GNA - The Apam branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has banned "rickety" vehicles from loading at the lorry park.

Also banned are vehicles without valid papers.

Announcing the ban at a meeting at Apam, Mr John Coffie, the branch chairman said running transport was a social service, with an obligation to protect the welfare and the safety of passengers, and said the ban was to prevent road accidents.

Mr Coffie said both the vehicle owner and the driver had to ensure that the vehicle was in good condition and that all the documents on it were up to date before taking to the road. He advised commercial transport owners not to be too interested in their 'daily sales' but to take steps to ensure regular maintenance. "Passengers pay for the cost of our vehicles and also provide us with our daily bread, it is imperative that we also seek their comfort and safety," he stated.

Mr Coffie urged porters and stationmasters to enforce the ban. Mr Kwesi Asare Baffuor, Apam District Police Commander commended the union for taking the decision.

He educated the drivers on some road signs. Mr Asare Baffuor expressed concern about how drivers showed disregarded road signs and said if they observed the signs, road accidents would be minimised.

Mr P.K. Amoako, Secretary of the Union appealed to drivers and their mates to observe personal cleanliness. He cautioned against charging unauthorised fares.