The Minister for Transport, Hon Kwaku Ofori Asiamah has said, trends in recent road traffic injuries and fatalities, changing social norms and values, public support for an improved road safety environment, review of the National Transport Policy and the redefining of the role of the National Road Safety Authority among others has necessitated a revision of the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683).

The review, he added, will seek to address identified lapses and to take on board, some best practices in the road transport industry as well as Global Road Safety Standards.

This was made known at a Consultative Workshop when a speech was read on his behalf by a deputy minister for Transport, Hon. Hassan S. Tampuli. The workshop brought together key stakeholders within the transport sector to discuss proposed amendment to the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683).

The Minister said, the primary governance framework for the road transport industry was the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683) which was enacted to replace the outdated Road Traffic Ordinance of 1952 (No.55). The Act consolidated and revised the Road Traffic Ordinance by making provision for a more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use to ensure safety and related matters on our roads.

“Through this dialogue, we hope to gain insight on a full range of issues affecting the road transport industry and solicit your invaluable input to ensure that we have a comprehensive and robust framework, that will stand the test of time for the consideration of Government and Parliament” he noted.

He was confident that stakeholders honouring the invitation of the Ministry and being present, meant together, they can come out with workable proposals to improve the safety and security of the road transport industry in the country.

Stakeholders discussed and agreed some specific provisions of the Act, on, drink driving, speeding, driving age, child Restraining, crash helmet and seat belt usage should be relooked at and submitted to cabinet for review approval so that the necessary processes are kick started for the review of these provisions.