Roads Ministry to partner Police to arrest persons who destroy traffic lights

The Ministry of Roads

and Highways has said that it will partner with the police to arrest persons who caused damage to state properties on the roads including traffic lights.

The Ministry said it has observed with concern the increase in the rate of vehicular crashes, theft, and vandalism of traffic control infrastructure, particularly traffic lights.

According to the Ministry, an inventory undertaken on malfunctioning traffic lights across the country indicates that a significant number of them are due to vehicular crashes, theft, and vandalism.

In most cases, the Ministry said, the cost of replacement is equivalent to undertaking new installations.

This imposes an additional financial burden on the Ministry and the taxpayer for prompt restoration and timely maintenance.

“The Ministry has begun a nationwide exercise to restore malfunctioning traffic lights and is collaborating with the police to patrol these locations daily. We are also appealing to the public to assist us in reporting such occurrences timeously.

“The Ministry, in collaboration with the Ghana Police, shall ensure that all persons who cause damage to public road infrastructure are made to face the full rigors of the law as stipulated in LI. 2180.

“The Ministry wishes to remind the public that it is an offense under Subsection 4 of Section 114 of the Road Traffic Regulation LI. 2180 to cause damage to the public road infrastructure.

The public is encouraged to volunteer information on all persons whose actions cause damage to traffic lights for a handsome reward by calling 0302773906 or 0302787373 or police command center number 191 (all networks),” a statement issued by the Ministry said.