By Prince Acquah
Cape Coast, June 05, GNA – The Central Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has impounded more than 40 tricycles (Pragya and aboboyaa) and motorbikes in Cape Coast and arrested their riders in an ongoing operation to crack down on indiscipline on the roads and enhance safety.
The riders were apprehended for various infractions including riding without license, insurance and road worthy documents as well as operating unregistered vehicles.
The exercise, which is happening across all regions, is also looking out for under-aged riders and riders without helmets.
Chief Superintendent Albert Fii Ochil, the Central Regional MTTD Commander, who is leading the operation, indicated that it was intended to curb the chaos and indiscipline in town which was resulting in many accidents.
He explained that all culprits were given the opportunity to go home and produce their documents and those who were able to produce genuine documents had their vehicles released to them.
“But those who do not have it will be processed for court to be dealt with and before the machine leaves here, we will ensure that they rectify every defect,” he stated.
“If you don’t have a license, then your owner is also at fault because you can’t permit such a rider to ride. We are also inviting the owners to charge them too,” he added.
For those without helmets, they were only cautioned but going forward, such riders would be arrested and prosecuted, he warned.
Chief Supt Ochil issued a stern warning to under-aged riders, pointing out that the age limit for acquiring a license was 18 years but riders must be 25 years and above to engage in commercial riding.
He also warned Pragya riders against picking up more than two passengers, indicating it was against the law to do so.
“If you are caught with more than two passengers, you will be apprehended and charged accordingly,” he cautioned.
He said riders must be well-dressed and avoid wearing slippers.
Highlighting the heights of indiscipline on the roads, Chief Supt Ochil assured that the exercise would be sustained relentlessly until the system was completely sanitised.
“It will be done, at least, twice every week, and we are going to do it until we notice that everybody riding motor in the region has his documents intact and wears a helmet.
“I have directed my divisional officers to also do same,” he indicated.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah