Police to prosecute commercial drivers for overcharging passengers
Commercial vehicle operators who charge above approved fares will be prosecuted, the Police have warned.
The Ghana Police Service has announced plans to take legal action against commercial vehicle operators who exceed the approved fares for passengers, according to an interview with Assistant Commissioner of Police Alexander Kweku Obeng. Drivers found to be deliberately charging passengers above the gazetted rate by the Ministry of Transport and other authorities may face prosecution, especially if there is evidence of repeated offenses.
The move follows numerous complaints from commuters who have reported being charged more than the agreed-upon rates, particularly during times of fuel price changes, vehicle scarcity, heavy traffic, and heightened demand for public transport. Obeng stressed that commercial drivers are obligated to comply with the approved fares and should refrain from exploiting commuters for personal gain.
He emphasized that adhering to the approved fares is not merely a legal obligation but a responsibility towards the traveling public. The Police's enforcement efforts will extend beyond conventional road offenses to address conduct that impacts commuters' rights and safety. Drivers are urged to be vigilant against unfair fare practices and to refrain from charging passengers more than the agreed amount.
Passengers are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with the approved fares and report any suspected overcharging to the relevant authorities. The ultimate goal is to foster fairness and discipline within the commercial transport sector while shielding commuters from undue financial strain. The Police will continue to work alongside other institutions to enforce road traffic regulations and ensure adherence to the law.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
