Drivers who accumulate six traffic violations could have their driving licenses withdrawn under a proposed system aimed at improving road safety and discipline among motorists.
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) says the goal is to change how people drive, not to punish them.
“This is meant to bring about behavioral change in driving,” Abraham Amaliba, Director-General of the NRSA, said.
The violations do not have to fall within a single year. “It doesn’t matter whether the mistake is done in the entire year or in different years,” he said. “What is important is that when you get warnings or you get the tickets six times, your license will be withdrawn.”
The proposal came up at a road safety outreach programme organised by the NRSA in the Western Region. The programme aims to raise public awareness, educate motorists and pedestrians, and reduce road traffic accidents.
The engagement was chaired by Mr Amaliba and brought together executives. They discussed ways of improving road safety and the role the media can play in promoting responsible road use.
Mr Amaliba said the threshold of six is deliberately high. “It is not that we are interested in withdrawing people’s licences,” he said. “We are not even saying three times, we are saying six times.”
The Western Regional Director of the NRSA, Mr Victor Kojo Bilson, said in an interview during the outreach that the measure would give drivers the opportunity to correct their behaviour while ensuring that repeated traffic violations attract appropriate consequences. He expressed hope that the engagement would raise awareness of road safety and contribute to reducing road accidents in the Western Region.
Speaking on the proposal and the issues raised at the engagement, the Secretary of the Accra-Takoradi branch, Mr Patrick Somiah, expressed support for the new directives. He urged drivers to adhere to traffic regulations to avoid the withdrawal of their licenses, adding that the measure could help improve driver behavior and road safety.
Separately, plans are under way to introduce a towing system next year. Vehicle owners would have to subscribe to a towing service. “When your car breaks down, the towing company will come and remove your car,” Mr Amaliba said.
By: Francoise Kpogno
