The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has explained that Voxy vehicles were registered after passing mechanical tests.
Responding to concerns from the National Road Safety Authority (NSRA), DVLA’s Public Relations Officer, Stephen Attuh, emphasized that commercial registration does not automatically permit long‑distance operations.
“The registration for commercials allows you to charge a commercial fare to pick passengers and take payment or reward for it. That is what it means. So, that distinction needs to be put in place so that giving you a yellow license plate is not a license that you can use for commercial purposes on a long‑distance journey.”
The NSRA’s Technical Working Group has flagged unlawful conversions from right‑hand to left‑hand drive and raised concerns about their use for long‑distance travel.
In an interview with TV3’s Beatrice Sowah on Thursday, April 9, 2026, Attuh explained that Voxy models were registered because they met mechanical standards.
“DVLA registers Voxy just as any vehicle. We have the private vehicle testing stations (PVTS). They are private. We license them to operate. We have a supervisory role over them. So, such a vehicle will have to go to them for them to test it and then attach a test report that passes the vehicle for it to be registered by DVLA. They will go ahead with the registration. If the testing process confirms that at a time of testing, there’s no problem with a vehicle, DVLA cannot refuse their registration.”
A mechanic noted that owners of voxy vehicles often modify tyres to suit local road conditions.
“It’s a fine car, but it wasn’t made for them to use for long‑distance journeys. The tires of the car are usually changed by the mechanics who use them for long journeys and most of the drivers are not experienced in handling the Voxy.”
A driver with 24 years experience, however, said he has used Voxy vehicles for long journeys without problems.
“It’s been a year since I started using this car for long journeys and I haven’t encountered any challenges or problems. I drive from Elubo to Aflao to Tema. When it comes to steering, it’s normally at the right side, but it’s changed to the left side and it doesn’t have any effect on the car.”
DVLA says plans are underway to categorize commercial vehicles, separating those permitted for long‑distance travel from those restricted to intra‑city operations.
By Beatrice Sowah
