C/R DVLA and EPA to check emission of exhaust fumes

Cape Coast, Feb. 17, GNA - The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Central Region, are to mount a campaign to educate drivers on the need to regularly maintain their vehicles to stem the high rate of exhaust fume emission into the atmosphere.

The Regional Licensing officer, Mr Wilson Appiah, who announced this at Cape Coast on Monday, noted that the emission of such fumes, which contained carbon monoxide, was a health hazard, in addition to causing harm to the environment.

Mr Appiah was briefing the Regional Minister and heads of department in the region about the activities of his outfit at an end-of year-party the minister organised for the heads, at Cape Coast on Monday.

According to him, the emission of fumes was also a contributory factor to the numerous road accidents, since some motorists in their bid to avoid staying behind "smoke emitting" vehicles, overtake recklessly thereby causing accidents.

He pointed out that although there was no "clear cut policy" as to the limit of exhaust fumes emission, it was imperative to reduce the menace, which he attributed to the poor maintenance of vehicles. The Regional Licensing officer said his outfit had already mounted an educational campaign on the new drivers' licence and urged all motorists to ensure that they obtained one.

He also advised them to have their eyes checked regularly. The Regional Population officer, Mr Paul Djan urged his colleagues to help stem the spread of HIV/AIDS, particularly among the youth, by monitoring the activities of their children and wards to ensure that they did not indulge in immoral activities.