As part of ongoing operation by the Ghana Police Service to encourage self-discipline and respect for traffic regulations among the riding public through the Police Action Against Rider Indiscipline (PAARI), the Director General of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), DCOP/Mr. Felix Fosu-Agyeman, has warned undisciplined motorbike riders arrested yesterday to refrain from indulging in various traffic offences.
Operation PAARI was launched by the Police Service to encourage self-discipline and respect for traffic regulations among the riding public, as well as help curb incidents of rider indiscipline and their associated road accidents and fatalities.
Interacting with motorbike riders at the Legon District MTTD, he advised them to make sure their motorbikes were properly registered and with the number plates at the back, before setting off.
“If you are a rider, before you step out with your motorbike, first make sure it’s properly registered with the number plate at the back,” DCOP/Mr. Felix Fosu-Agyeman said.
He also said that they should highly observe traffic lights, saying, “When it turns red you stop and wait till you are instructed to go when it’s green.”
He entreated all other riders and the general public to support this initiative to restore sanity on the roads and ensure the safety and security of all.
DCOP Felix Fosu-Agyeman urged them to be careful when using the road, and that they should also wear protective gears.
Motorbike riders for some time now have been involved in all kinds of indiscipline on the roads, causing accidents.
As part of operation PAARI, the police listed other offences, including running red lights, failing to wear crash helmets and general indifference to traffic laws.
According to the Police, this campaign comprises several phases. A squad of police riders equipped with body cameras are being deployed as part of the initial phase of the program to keep an eye on riders’ behavior at busy intersections and other key spots.
The Ghana Police Service also indicated that, “The teams will follow offending riders and arrest them at convenient and safe locations. Such riders will be prosecuted, named and shamed,”
This action was required, according to the Ghana Police, because motorbikes are the second leading source of injuries from traffic accidents and the primary cause of fatalities.
