Suspend bill on sirens, speed limit exemptions for ministers, MPs – BPS

The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has called on the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, to withdraw the bill on siren usage and speed limit exemptions for members of parliament and ministers.

In a statement, BPS expressed worry over the amendments made to the Road Regulations Act LI 2180, which was subsequently laid before parliament recently.

The amendment of Regulation 74 of LI 2180 will now permit the fitting of sirens or bells as warning appliances on specific classes of vehicles, including those owned by justices of the Supreme Court, members of parliament, and ministers of state.

According to the Bureau of Public Safety, the amendment poses significant concerns for the safety, equality, and accountability of roadways and governance.

The Bureau of Public Safety further argued that allowing public officeholders to use these sirens, alarms, and strobe lights can lead to confusion and potential delays in genuine emergency responses, ultimately compromising public safety.

The Bureau of Public Safety further contends that these exemptions create unnecessary risks, which could increase traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.

“The existing exemptions were already a deep concern to the BPS, as there were no precedents for such wide exemptions in any advanced jurisdiction. Speed limits are established based on thorough research to ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. Allowing more road users to exceed speed limits endangers not only their lives but also the lives of all road users. Furthermore, these exemptions create unnecessary risks and could lead to an increase in traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. In Ghana today, speeding is the leading cause of road crashes, resulting in more than 2000 deaths and over 15,000 injuries annually, since 2009. Therefore, to create a further exemption is an indication of a lack of proper appreciation of our situation and inconsiderate of the numerous lives that we have lost on our roads over the years,” the statement noted.

Consequently, the BPS has called on the transport Minister to withdraw the Bill from Parliament with immediate effect and expunge the wide exemptions and permissions before relaying it.

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has urged the National Road Safety Authority to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to combat the escalating use of illegal sirens on motor vehicles in the country.

“Furthermore, we urge the government to prioritise policies that enhance public safety, maintain equality, and uphold the integrity of our governance. Public office holders must lead by example, demonstrating a commitment to the rule of law, equality, and the safety of all citizens,’ the statement added.

Source:theghanareport.com