The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is set to prohibit the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport, citing serious safety concerns.
The decision follows a technical assessment by a working group established to evaluate the roadworthiness of converted Toyota Voxy vehicles currently operating as taxis.
Director-General of the NRSA, Abraham Amaliba, disclosed at a press conference that the findings revealed significant safety risks, prompting swift action to restrict their use.
Safety concerns trigger action
According to the Authority, many of the vehicles have been converted from right-hand drive to left-hand drive, a process that has raised major concerns about their structural integrity and overall safety.
As part of the new measures, the NRSA is also moving to stop the importation of the Toyota Voxy into the country.
Garages involved in such conversions are expected to face closure, while individuals carrying out the modifications risk prosecution.
Enforcement measures underway
Although a detailed directive is expected within the next two weeks, officials say the decision to ban the vehicle from commercial operations has effectively been finalised.
In the meantime, operators have been advised to restrict the use of these vehicles to short-distance trips until the policy is fully implemented.
The NRSA is also collaborating with the Customs Division to block the importation of both the Toyota Voxy and the Toyota Vitz.
Thousands already in circulation
An investigative report by the committee found that nearly 7,000 Toyota Voxy vehicles have already been imported into Ghana.
The report concluded that the model is unsuitable for commercial transport due to safety risks associated with its modifications.
Supporting the move, Alexander Obeng of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) indicated that the Police will work with relevant agencies to ensure the vehicles are stopped at the ports.
Improving road safety
The NRSA says the planned ban is part of broader efforts to enhance road safety standards and protect passengers across the country.
Authorities insist the measures are necessary to reduce accidents and ensure that only roadworthy vehicles are used for commercial transport.
Source: Wesleyannews.com
Do you have a story to share? Send it to our editorial team at editor@wesleyannews.com