Ashanti Regional DVLA, NRSA, and MTTD-Police Launch Clampdown on Vehicles Operating Commercially with Private Registration
Authorities Target Private Vehicles Operating Illegally as Commercial Transport to Ensure Passenger Safety
- DVLA, NRSA, and MTTD launch crackdown on privately registered vehicles being used for commercial transport.
- Passengers warned against using white number plate vehicles, as they risk their own safety and cannot claim insurance in case of accidents.
- Future enforcement will include legal action, while authorities urge car owners to regularize ownership and report reckless driving.
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department and the National Insurance Commission, has today launched a crackdown on vehicles, such as the Toyota Voxy, that are registered for private use but are operating as commercial transport.
The joint operation aims to identify, stop, and take action against motorists who use private number plates for commercial purposes.
In an interview with Lawson News, Jerry E. Afablo, Ashanti Regional Manager of the DVLA, urged motor traders, fleet owners, and individuals using trade plates to immediately change their number plates if they intend to operate their vehicles commercially.
Mr. Afablo also cautioned passengers against using vehicles with white number plates, emphasizing that they risk their own safety by choosing to ride in privately licensed cars being improperly used for commercial activities.
He warned that in the event of an accident, passengers in such vehicles would not be eligible for insurance claims and advised them to opt for vehicles with yellow number plates when traveling.
During today’s crackdown, motorists found in violation of the regulations were not penalized. However, Mr. Afablo disclosed that future operations will involve legal action against offenders.
He further clarified that obtaining approval from the Tourism Authority does not permit the use of white number plates for commercial purposes, stating that violators will be dealt with accordingly.
Meanwhile, Peter Afful Nkansah, Deputy Ashanti Regional Manager of the NIC, advised passengers to exercise caution regarding the types of vehicles they board. He also recommended that car owners complete a change of ownership to avoid potential lawsuits if their vehicles are found in violation of the law.
Additionally, Kwasi Agyenim Boateng, Ashanti Regional Head/Director of the National Road Safety Authority, highlighted the dangers posed by speeding vehicles.
He assured the public that road safety awareness initiatives would be intensified as Easter approaches and encouraged passengers to report reckless drivers at police checkpoints to ensure their safety.
By Anthony Amissah
