Deputy Minister of Transport, Hassan Tampuli, has clarified that the Ministry of Transport played no part in proposing amendments to the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) that would have granted the use of sirens and exemption from speed limits to Members of Parliament, Ministers, and judges.

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According to Mr Tampuli, the proposal originated from the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, chaired by Dominic Akuritinga Ayine, a Member of Parliament from the Minority National Democratic Congress (NDC).

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He explained that during discussions, the Minister of Transport expressed strong objections, foreseeing potential chaos and disorder if such privileges were granted.

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"The Minister disagreed that if that happens it was going to create some amount of chaos in the society," Tampuli stated during an interview. He recounted how the Ministry's efforts to lay the Instrument in Parliament were halted when the Committee chairperson intervened, prompting further scrutiny before submission.

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Dr. Dominic Ayine, the Chairman of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, defended the proposal, citing the need for MPs to handle unforeseen emergencies. He argued that the use of sirens could mitigate delays caused by traffic congestion, thus justifying the proposal.

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https://tigpost.co/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Dr-Dominic-Ayine.jpgDr

Dominic Ayine, Chairman of the Subsidiary Legislation Committee and Member of Parliament for Bolga East

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While the Legislative Instrument was withdrawn following public outcry, Tampuli emphasized that the blame should rest with the Subsidiary Legislation Committee, not the government.

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He clarified that the original intent of amending the Road Traffic Regulations 2012 was to update regulations to accommodate contemporary needs, particularly regarding electric cars.

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"The Ministry of Transport and the government had no appetite at all for including Ministers, MPs to use sirens and drive without speed limit," Tampuli asserted. He highlighted that such provisions did not align with government policy, especially close to election periods.

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