The Centre for Road and Transport Safety (CERTS) has called for an immediate crackdown on commercial drivers who pick up and drop off passengers at unauthorised points along major highways.
According to the road safety advocacy group, the practice is putting commuters, commercial drivers and other road users at unnecessary risk, particularly on busy highway corridors.
CERTS said major highways are designed as fast-moving corridors and therefore should not be treated as conventional bus routes.
It explained that designated bus stops are provided on service lanes rather than the main carriageway to allow commuters to board and alight safely.
“It is therefore both reckless and a breach of road discipline to see commercial drivers stopping on the shoulders of highways to pick or drop passengers,” CERTS said in a statement issued on Thursday, August 13.
The group warned that the practice could have devastating consequences, especially on stretches frequented by heavy-duty vehicles.
Achimota-Ofankor corridor
CERTS singled out the Achimota-Ofankor highway, where it said commercial drivers routinely stop at unauthorised locations including Mile 7, St John’s, Taifa Junction and Barrier.
It cautioned that the high volume of heavy-duty vehicles on the stretch makes the practice particularly dangerous.
“Given the high volume of heavy-duty vehicles on this stretch, a single brake failure by a trailer could result in catastrophic loss of lives,” the statement said.
The group also blamed some commuters for abandoning designated bus stops and waiting at locations that are more convenient for them.
According to CERTS, this behaviour forces drivers to stop on the road and contributes to congestion on service lanes and, in some cases, the main carriageway.
It said the problem persists in areas such as Amasaman and Pokuase despite the presence of City Taskforce personnel and police officers.
Bus stops taken over by traders
CERTS also raised concerns about the condition of designated bus stops in parts of Accra.
It said bus stops at Achimota, Tesano and Avenor have been occupied by hawkers, petty traders, vehicle dealers and motorcycle dealers, making it difficult for commuters and drivers to use the facilities for their intended purpose.
The group believes the situation contributes to the roadside boarding and alighting it is seeking to end.
CERTS cited the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), particularly Regulation 47, which states that “No person shall pick up or set down passengers except at a designated bus stop or lay-by.”
It also referred to Regulation 131, which makes it an offence to obstruct a road or interfere with traffic signs, bus stops and other traffic facilities.
Calls for enforcement
CERTS is therefore asking the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to intensify enforcement and prosecute drivers who pick up or drop off passengers at unauthorised locations.
It wants the Ghana Highway Authority to properly demarcate and protect bus stops, while Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies are being urged to remove traders and vehicle dealers occupying designated stopping points.
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), meanwhile, has been asked to step up public education targeting both drivers and commuters.
CERTS has also called on President John Dramani Mahama to review the performance of officials responsible for road safety and traffic management.
The group said competent personnel must be retained in those positions to help safeguard lives on Ghana’s roads.
“We can no longer wait for another fatal accident before we hear speeches and promises. The time to enforce the law and correct these wrongs is now,” CERTS said.
The organisation maintained that although government has a responsibility to provide and maintain safe roads, road users must also comply with traffic laws and regulations.
