The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is preparing to prohibit the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport, following concerns about their safety on the country’s roads.
The Director-General of NRSA, Abraham Amaliba, disclosed that the decision was informed by findings from a Technical Working Group tasked to examine the roadworthiness of converted Toyota Voxy vehicles currently operating as taxis.
Speaking at a press conference, he said the report raised significant red flags, prompting immediate steps toward restricting the vehicle’s use for commercial purposes.
Mr. Amaliba further indicated that authorities are moving to halt the importation of the vehicles into the country. He also warned that garages involved in converting vehicles from right-hand drive to left-hand drive will be shut down, stressing that individuals behind such modifications risk prosecution.
Although a detailed directive is expected to be issued within the next two weeks, he noted that the decision to ban the Toyota Voxy for commercial operations has effectively been taken.
In the interim, operators have been advised to limit the use of such vehicles to short-distance trips until the policy is fully enforced.
The NRSA is also working closely with the Customs Division to prevent the importation of both Toyota Voxy and Toyota Vitz models into Ghana.
An investigative report by the committee revealed that nearly 7,000 Toyota Voxy vehicles have already been brought into the country. The report concluded that the model is unsuitable for commercial transport due to safety risks.
Backing the directive, Alexander Obeng of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) said the Police will collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure the vehicles are blocked at the ports.
The NRSA says the planned ban forms part of wider measures aimed at improving road safety standards and safeguarding passengers nationwide.
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