NRSA gives Urban Roads 60 days to fix defective traffic lights

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has given Department of Urban Roads 60 days ultimatum to fix non-functioning traffic lights.

Pursuant to Section 27 of the National Road Safety Authority Act, 2019 (Act 993), NRSA served notice on the Department as the institution responsible for traffic signals urban areas to take immediate steps but not later than 60  days to fix the traffic signals to prevent the occurrence of road traffic crashes and their associated deaths and injuries.

The Authority warned that it will not hesitate to seek an enforcement order in accordance with Act 993 should the threat persist after the (60) days if Department of Urban Roads to fix the non-functioning traffic lights.

In a compliance notice dated June 24, 2022 reminded Department of Urban Roads of the danger posed by the non-functional traffic signals.

The authority noted that pedestrians remain the most vulnerable road users in Ghana because of these unsafe intersections, among other conditions in the road environment.

On average, pedestrian deaths account for nearly 36% of all road traffic deaths yearly.

The Authority said it expects the Department to act with dispatch to prevent a worsening road safety situation for Ghana’s collective good.

In December 2021 the Authority published a Road Safety Alert on Non-functional traffic signals on some urban road networks across the country and their impact on road safety.

According to Authority, inspections by its officers show some improvement in remedial actions taken.

However, the status of non-functioning traffic signals is still high in Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Bono East, and Western regions as of June 21, 2022.

NRSA said the Department’s delayed remedial action for the non-functional traffic signals poses a threat to road traffic crashes, injuries, and deaths as they undermine the efficient movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

This condition increases the likelihood of road user conflicts and traffic crashes.