Stop Abusing Sirens, Horns – IGP Tells Govt Officials

The Inspector General of Police, David Asante-Apeatu, says top government officials caught abusing sirens and horns will not be spared.

He was emphatic that the law will not be lenient with anyone found culpable insisting those officials could be advised to seek for dispatch riders in cases of emergencies.

Beyond the warning to government officials, the tough talking IGP cautioned the public to also desist from using sirens and horns as a means to beat traffic.

This he said is part of a collective measure to fight against noise pollution.

According to Mr. Apeatu, any person who contravenes the regulation commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not more than twenty-live penalty units (GH¢240) or to a term of imprisonment of not more than thirty days or both.

The IGP made the disclosure at a joint news conference by the Ghana Police Service and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority under the theme: ‘The Misuse of Horns and Sirens’ in Accra yesterday.

In his view, in recent times, many individuals and institutions with sirens cause discomfort to other motorists and vehicles with no sirens disturb other vehicle users by blowing horns to avoid traffic.

Mr. Apeatu, noted that not only do such acts cause noise pollution but in turn cause traffic clashes which according to statistics has seen over 500 people lose their lives every quarter.

He explained that there are vehicles licensed by Regulation 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 (L.I 2180) which are permitted to use the sirens in cases of emergencies and official duties.

Mr. Kwasi Agyeman Busia, Chief Executive of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), also assured the monitoring of all incoming vehicles and ensured that parts not mandated by the law would not be approved.

He said, “Those people who come to us for renewals should understand that we will not tolerate that; we will take it out of their vehicles and probably prosecute them as well.”

He further mentioned that perpetrators who are caught lying about their reason for using the sirens or horns will be dealt with.

By: Jennifer Avemee