56 motorists tried for road offences in Western Region

Sekondi (W/R), Nov. 6, GNA - The Western Regional Police Command has prosecuted 56 motorists, for violating various traffic regulations in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

Some of the offences committed included, over-speeding, over-loading, using of worn-out tyres, broken windscreens, driving without valid licenses, defective lights and expired road worthy certificates.

The motorists were arrested on the major and accident-prone routes in the metropolis, which includes, the Takoradi-Cape Coast, Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta, Sekondi-Takoradi and other major routes in the metropolis.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Sekondi, on Friday, the Western Regional Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Inspector Ewurabena Adiku, said the Inspector General of Police (IGP) directed all the regional commands to set up a taskforce to check road accidents in the country.

Chief Inspector Adiku said the Regional Police Command, in conjunction with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority(DVLA), the National Road Safety commission (NRSC) and personnel from the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), undertook the road inspection exercise in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis last week.

She said the taskforce deployed some policemen along the major routes in the metropolis and highways, leading to the region, especially accident-prone areas, for the inspection exercise.

She said the taskforce arrested 56 motorists and 40 of them were arraigned before the Sekondi Magistrate's Court and 32 were fined amounts ranging from GHc100 to GHc250.

Chief Inspector Adiku said eight motorists did not appear in court and a bench warrant was issued for their immediate arrest, while one person was cautioned and discharged, 15 others were given verbal warning by the presiding judge.

She indicated that a total of GHc2, 240 was paid as fines from the offending motorists.

Chief Inspector Adiku urged motorists to be mindful of road safety measures to ensure an accident-free Christmas and beyond and urged passengers to alert the police of any violation of road regulations. She said the exercise was not a nine-day wonder and would continue even after the Christmas festivities to reduce the carnage on our roads.