GPRTU opposes auctioning broken-down vehicles after 21 days

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has raised concerns over a clause in the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519) permitting authorities to auction broken-down vehicles left at designated holding areas for 21 days. While the union agrees with the immediate removal of such vehicles from roads, it opposes auctioning them after the 21-day period, arguing it could lead to substantial financial losses for commercial transport operators.

GPRTU's Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, suggested that vehicle owners should be given the opportunity to reclaim their vehicles after settling the towing and storage fees. He emphasized that vehicle owners would not intentionally abandon their vehicles, especially if they had been towed to a safer location. Amoah's comments came in response to the new road safety rules, which stipulate that vehicles should be towed off the road within 30 minutes in urban areas and one hour on highways.

However, the GPRTU is dissatisfied with the proposed auction, urging authorities to reconsider the measure and instead allow owners more time to recover their vehicles, provided they pay the necessary fees. The union believes that achieving a clear road network through towing and storage charges can be effective without risking the financial well-being of transport operators.