Road Traffic Archives -

Bagbin apologises to Ghanaians over controversial L.I on MPs siren use

The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has apologised to Ghanaians over the government’s attempt to amend the Road Traffic Regulations. The proposed changes would have permitted Members of Parliament (MPs) and state officials to use sirens and be exempt from speed limits. The proposed amendment ignited a public outcry, leading Bagbin to initially disclaim any knowledge of the legislative instrument’s introduction in the house. In a formal communication to the house on Monday, Bagbin acknowledged the controversy and expressed regret for the situation. “Following the oppositions, firm stance against the L.I, the government has decided to withdraw the proposed amendments…We recognise the public perception of insensitivity and I am here to offer an apology and assure the Ghanaian people that this parliament remains acutely aware of and responsive to their needs,” he stated. Bagbin also stated that new standing orders have been instituted for a pre-laying process in the introduction of a legislative instrument. This process is designed to ensure a thorough review before it is officially laid in the house. “Parliament has empowered the subsidiary legislative committee with a critical mandate. The committee’s responsibilities are set out under order 220. Include one, that proposed subsidiary legislation aligns with the constitution, Acts of Parliament and other laws. Two, detecting any potential inconsistencies, ambiguities or concerns in the proposed legislation and three offering inputs and recommendations to refine and improve the proposed legislation.” “Recognising the importance of thorough scrutiny parliament has instituted a pre-laying process. This process mandates that the relevant person intending to lay the L. I or C. I engage with the subsidiary legislation committee for a comprehensive review before the instrument is officially laid before parliament,” he stated. CitiNewsroom

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LI granting siren use rights to MPs, Ministers withdrawn

The controversial Legislative Instrument (LI) seeking to amend portions of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 has been withdrawn in Parliament. The Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, withdrew the LI on behalf of the Transport Minister, citing public and stakeholder concerns. He added that “the withdrawal became necessary based on extensive engagement with leadership.” He further announced, “Mr. Speaker, I would like to move that the Road Traffic Amendment 2024, which was laid on Friday, June 14, be withdrawn… it is so withdrawn.” Read also: Public backlash against LI granting siren use rights to MPs and Ministers The Ministry of Transport had previously laid the LI before Parliament to amend portions of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012. If passed, it would grant Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State privileges typically reserved for emergency and specialized vehicles. Specifically, the amendment to Regulation 74 of LI 2180 would allow sirens or bells to be fitted as warning appliances on certain vehicles, including those owned by Supreme Court justices, MPs, and Ministers of State. However, the LI faced opposition from the public and the Minority in Parliament, who issued a press statement urging the Transport Minister to withdraw the LI before it matured in 21 days. The Minority also pledged to vote against the LI if it reached the chamber. “We have instructed all our Members on the Committee to strongly oppose it at the committee level. We have also directed all 137 NDC Members of Parliament to vote en bloc against the LI when it is brought to the floor,” the statement read. The Minority further urged the government to focus on addressing critical issues facing Ghana, such as the high cost of living, food inflation, unemployment, high fuel costs, the depreciation of the cedi, and a high tax regime that is driving businesses to relocate to neighboring West African countries. citinewsroom.

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Withdraw Bill on sirens, speed limit exemptions for ministers, MPs – BPS

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The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) is demanding that the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, immediately withdraw the Bill on speed limit exemptions for Members of Parliament and Ministers. BPS has expressed concern over the amendments made to the Road Regulations Act LI 2180, which was subsequently laid before Parliament. In a statement dated Sunday, July 14, BPS raised alarm over the expanding speed limit exemptions and other permissions granted to Members of Parliament and Ministers of State. According to the Bureau of Public Safety, the amendment also permits the installation of sirens and alarms on their vehicles for official use. BPS argues 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 lead to an increase in traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities. Therefore, it has called on the transport minister to withdraw the Bill from Parliament and expunge the exemptions and permissions before re-laying it. “Consequently, the BPS calls upon the Transport minister to withdraw the Bill from Parliament with immediate effect and, cause the wide exemptions and permissions to be expunged before relaying it.” Furthermore, 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. BPS has called on the government to prioritize policies that promote public safety and uphold equality for all citizens. “Additionally, the National Road Safety Authority, the state agency responsible for road safety, must collaborate with law enforcement agencies to curb the increasing use of illegal sirens on motor vehicles in the country. “Furthermore, we urge the government to prioritize 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.” Download Statement:RTA_Exemption1 citinewsroom

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