Tema, Dec.27, GNA -- The Tema Municipal Assembly (TMA) is taking steps to stop the parking of big and articulated trucks along the streets of Tema to allow the free movement of vehicles and also protect the lifespan of the roads.

The assembly noted with concern that the parking of such trucks along the main harbour road do not only contribute to the fast deterioration of the roads but cause nuisance to vehicular movement.

At a meeting held with drivers of the various groups at the TMA, the Coordinating Director, Mr Kwaku Akportorsu entreated drivers of big vehicles to patronize a parking lot provided by a private sector.

The drivers however, complained of high fees charged by the private sector, saying, the 1000 cedis charged an hour is on the higher side as they never could tell the number of days they would spend at the port before loading their cargo to their various destinations. The meeting was attended by representatives of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, the Police, Ghana Private Road Transport Union, GHATA, Port Handling Company, Ghana Haulage Drivers Association, CNRTN and OTRAF all operating at the Tema port.

In view of their complain, a six-member committee comprising representatives of the various groups has been set up by the TMA to deliberate on affordable parking fee for drivers who patronize the newly constructed parking lot at the outskirts of the Tema Port.

The committee has two weeks to present its report to the TMA for action to be taken.

The Coordinating Director made it clear that the TMA considering its numerous commitments to develop the municipality was not in the position to construct a parking lot as requested by the drivers. He expressed the hope that the private businessman would come into terms with them to accept feasible fees to rid the streets of parked big trucks.

The participants were of the view that it was the responsibility of the TMA and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority to provide them with parking lots. 27 Dec. 06