The Minister of Transport deserves commendation for ordering the postponement of the implementation of the vehicle towing charge, Kwame Agbodza, the Member of Parliament for Adaklu, has said.
Under the new towing programme approved by parliament last week, vehicle owners and motorcyclists were to pay compulsory annual fees. However, the move drew a huge public outcry.
The government, through the Deputy Minister of Transport, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus-Glover, announced on Monday June 19 the suspension of the programme.
Speaking in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson, host of Ghana Yensom, on Accra 100.5FM on Tuesday June 20, Mr Abgodza, also ranking member of the Transport Committee of parliament, said: “In principle, all Ghanaians are okay that we should tow damaged cars from the roads to avert road accidents in the country.
“This towing system did not start today; it was piloted in 2007. At that time it was called Tow and Pay, but it was suspended along the line. In 2011, an LI was brought to parliament to adopt a holistic approach to remove damaged cars from the roads.
“Most drivers did not understand the concept, there was so much confusion in the minds of the people. Some were saying the fee was exorbitant, some also questioned why a single company should be in charge of collecting the fee.
“But I think in all of this the programme has been suspended for now. I thank the minister that he has ordered the postponement of the implementation of the programme for further consultation.”
Source: Ghana/AccraFM.com
