The Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has called on the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah to withdraw the Bill on speed limit exemptions for Members of Parliament and Ministers laid before parliament with immediate effect.
The Ministry of Transport laid before parliament a Legislative Instrument (L.I) seeking to amend portions of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012.
The new changes, when passed, will grant Members of Parliament (MPs) and Ministers of State privileges previously reserved for emergency and specialized vehicles.
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.
In a statement dated July 14, BPS indicated that, allowing public office holders to use these sirens, alarms, and strobe lights can lead to confusion and potential delays in genuine emergency responses, ultimately compromising public safety, thus, call on the trade minister to expunge the exemptions and permissions before re-laying the Bill.
“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”, the release stated.
However, BPS has urged the he National Road Safety Authority to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to combat the escalating use of illegal sirens on motor vehicles in the country.
“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”, portion of the release read.
BPS has called on the government to prioritize policies that promote public safety and uphold equality for all citizens.
“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”, the release added.
