In a recent statement, the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS) has issued a stern call to the Minister of Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, urging the immediate withdrawal of a controversial bill concerning siren usage and speed limit exemptions for Members of Parliament (MPs) and ministers.
The bill, which includes amendments to the Road Regulations Act LI 2180, has been laid before parliament, raising significant concerns among safety advocates.
The BPS highlighted several issues with the proposed amendments, emphasizing that allowing public officeholders to use sirens, alarms, and strobe lights can lead to confusion and potential delays in genuine emergency responses. The Bureau asserted that this could ultimately compromise public safety.
“Allowing more road users to exceed speed limits endangers not only their lives but also the lives of all road users. These exemptions create unnecessary risks and could lead to an increase in traffic crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
“In Ghana today, speeding is the leading cause of road crashes, resulting in more than 2000 deaths and over 15,000 injuries annually, since 2009.”
Bureau of Public Safety (BPS)
In addition to safety concerns, the BPS contended that the proposed exemptions undermine the principles of equality and accountability. By granting special privileges to MPs and ministers, the bill creates a disparity between public officeholders and ordinary citizens, eroding trust in governance.
“The existing exemptions were already a deep concern to the BPS, as there were no precedents for such wide exemptions in any advanced jurisdiction,” the statement noted.
“Speed limits are established based on thorough research to ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. Allowing further exemptions is an indication of a lack of proper appreciation of our situation and inconsiderate of the numerous lives that we have lost on our roads over the years.”
Bureau of Public Safety (BPS)
Inequality and Abuse of Privilege
The proposed amendment grants undue privileges to ministers of state and members of parliament, fostering a culture of inequality. The BPS asserts that all citizens, regardless of their position, should adhere to the same traffic regulations. Exemptions should be limited to the presidency alone, reflecting best practices in civilized and advanced jurisdictions where exemptions are justifiable only for critical purposes.
The introduction of sirens and strobe lights on vehicles of public officeholders is likely to be perceived as an abuse of power, eroding public trust in elected officials. These officials are expected to serve as role models and adhere to the same rules and standards as the citizens they represent.
“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.”
Bureau of Public Safety (BPS)
In advanced jurisdictions, exemptions from speed limits are strictly limited to the presidency and emergency institutions. These exemptions are justifiable only when adhering to speed limits would hinder their critical purposes.
Broadening these exemptions to include other public officeholders is unnecessary and counterproductive. The use of sirens and strobe lights should be reserved exclusively for emergency services such as police, fire, and medical response teams.
In addition to opposing the bill, the BPS also urged the National Road Safety Authority to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to combat the escalating use of illegal sirens on motor vehicles in the country.
The Bureau believed that stringent enforcement of existing laws and regulations is crucial to maintaining order and safety on the roads.
the Bureau of Public Safety’s plea to withdraw and revise the Bill is a crucial step towards maintaining road safety, equality, and public trust.
The collaboration between the National Road Safety Authority and law enforcement agencies is essential in addressing the misuse of sirens and ensuring disciplined road use.
The government’s commitment to public safety and governance integrity is paramount in fostering a fair and safe environment for all citizens.
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