The Ghana Police Service has stepped up efforts to enforce road traffic regulations with a special operation targeting the unauthorised use of sirens, horns, strobe lights, improvised headlamps and the illegal use of road shoulders and verges in the Ashanti Region.

The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Ashanti Regional Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), with support from the Central MTTD in Accra and a team from the Police National Headquarters.

The operation took place at two of Kumasi's busiest intersections, the Airport Roundabout and the Santasi Roundabout, where officers mounted checkpoints to inspect vehicles and ensure compliance with the country's road traffic laws.

During the exercise, police intercepted a total of 188 vehicles for committing various traffic offences. Many of the vehicles were found to be fitted with unauthorised sirens, strobe lights, modified horns and improvised headlamps, while others were stopped for unlawfully using road shoulders and verges to bypass traffic.

As part of the enforcement exercise, officers removed and confiscated the unauthorised devices and modified lighting systems from the affected vehicles.

Drivers were also educated on the relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Regulations and cautioned against engaging in practices that endanger other road users or create a false impression of emergency status.

The Police emphasised that the unauthorised use of sirens, emergency lights and other prohibited vehicle modifications undermines road safety, causes confusion among motorists and can obstruct genuine emergency response vehicles.

The Service further noted that the illegal use of road shoulders and verges contributes to traffic congestion, increases the risk of road crashes and disrupts the orderly flow of traffic, particularly at busy intersections.

The Ghana Police Service has reaffirmed its commitment to improving road safety and ensuring strict compliance with traffic regulations nationwide. It said similar enforcement operations will be conducted across the country to curb traffic indiscipline and promote responsible road use.