Cape Coast, Jan.12, GNA - Seven hundred and thirty-five drivers in the Central region were sent to court last year for various traffic offences as against 337 in 2004.

Five hundred and twenty five were convicted, as against 287 in 2004 and fined 208.8 million cedis as against 101.3 million cedis in 2004. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Charles Oduro, Central Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), disclosed this to the GNA in an interview at Cape Coast on Thursday. He said 947 traffic offences including parking at un-authorized places, over speeding, abuse of traffic light, use of rickety vehicles, driving without licence, un-registered motor bikes and driving with expired licences.

ASP Oduro said 199 of the cases were still pending in court, with 64 on bench warrant, while 19 drivers were acquitted and discharged. On road accidents, ASP Oduro said 1,025 cases involving 1,375 vehicles were recorded, as against 1,290 in 2004 that involved 1,667 vehicles.

He said 208 people lost their lives, as against 316, in 2004, while 1,436 sustained injuries in 2005 as against 1,734 in 2004. ASP Oduro said 142 of the accident cases were sent to court and fined 81.2 million cedis, while 771 of the cases were still under investigations.

He commended drivers in the region for ensuring an accident free yuletide and urged them to make good use of the training they acquired from the road safety committee.

ASP Oduro advised them to regularly maintain their vehicles, avoid drunk driving, over speeding and endeavour to observe traffic signs and regulations.

He asked passengers to endeavour to board vehicles in good conditions at lorry parks and report recalcitrant drivers to the police or Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) officials. 12 Jan.06