GPRTU urged to check overloading

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has been urged to strengthen its internal control mechanisms to ensure that drivers comply with the road traffic regulations for the safety of passengers. "The GPRTU executives for instance should ensure that all vehicles leaving the station are not overloaded and have complied fully with the road traffic regulations." The Eastern Regional Commander of Police, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Stephen Andoh-Kwofie, in an interview with Ghana News Agency said as part of its resolve for an accident-free Christmas, the Police would ensure that all stakeholders play their role well. He reiterated that ensuring road safety was a shared responsibility between the Police, the GPRTU and passengers as well as pedestrians, therefore, each party must know its limit to complement the others. According to the Police Commander, since there are no Police officers at the various stations to check against overloading, the GPRTU must enforce that law and empower the passengers to report any irregularity that happens on the way to the officers for action. He said the Police was, however, increasing its visibility and snap checks on the road to check road worthiness, insurance and fire extinguishers to ensure an accident-free Christmas and beyond. The Police Commander also advised passengers not to shout at drivers to speed up but rather support the Police when they subject their vehicles to routine checks for their own safety. He called on passengers and all road users to report any driver who goes contrary to the regulations to any nearest Police Station or Police barrier with the necessary identification for prompt action.