The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has impounded about 700 vehicles in the Western Region and removed unapproved beacon and strobe lights, as well as seven illegally installed sirens, during a special enforcement exercise.

The operation, carried out in Takoradi and Tarkwa, forms part of the Police Service’s nationwide enforcement of Regulations 65 and 74 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which prohibit the unauthorised use of sirens, beacon lights and strobe lights on vehicles.

Speaking to Citi News, the Director of Education, Research and Training at the Police MTTD, ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, who led the exercise, said the operation was prompted by the increasing disregard for the regulations by some motorists.

He explained that the law permits the use of such equipment only by the President and designated state officials, as well as authorized emergency service institutions.

ACP Obeng further warned chiefs, politicians, pastors, businesspeople and other members of the public to desist from installing and using prohibited sirens and emergency lights on their vehicles, stressing that the practice poses a serious road safety risk and contributes to road crashes.

“Henceforth, you will see the Police in Takoradi and in Tarkwa embark on this exercise on daily basis but remember this exercise is also being conducted across the country,” he added.