The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has announced it will no longer deploy personnel to conduct mandatory roadside checks on vehicle roadworthiness across the country. The suspension was announced in a statement on Tuesday, following widespread public backlash over the operations of its task force.
The task force’s approach was criticized for allegedly entrapping unsuspecting road users, resulting in fines for those found non-compliant with Ghana’s vehicle operation regulations. According to the DVLA, the exercise was intended to “ensure that vehicles and drivers adhere to legal requirements to be on our roads.”
Under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180), specifically regulation 158 (1) through (5), the DVLA earlier this year introduced fees and penalties for offences related to vehicle roadworthiness and the use of fake licenses. Each offence carried a penalty of GH¢225 when detected during roadside checks by the Authority’s Compliance Team.
However, following the public outcry, the DVLA has decided to suspend the exercise for “extended engagement” with stakeholders before considering its reintroduction at a later date.
Story by: Elikplim Awuku
