Operators of the popular tricycles, known ass “Mahama Camboo”, in the Bolgatanga municipality are calling on the Upper East Regional Security Council to lift the one month curfew on the use of the tricycles at night.
The REGSEC two weeks ago imposed a 7:00pm to 6:00am curfew on the commercial use of the tricycles in the municipality in an effort to check the abuse of the tricycles which have become the main form of transportation for the people.
The REGSEC’s ban was necessitated by the fact that some some criminals have been using it the tricycles for armed robbery while operators do not have the licences, disregard traffic regulations as well as case of minors engaged in the operation of the tricycle.
But the restriction has not gone down well with the operators who have since sent several petitions to the Upper East Regional Minister but say they have not received any feedback.
Consequently the operators on Tuesday blocked major roads in the Bolga municipality in protest of the restrictions, causing serious vehicular traffic.
The Regional Police commander and his team had to be called in to control the situation and had a tough, causing a military intervention to restore order.
Chairman of the operators, Abdul Rahman Karim Misbawu told TV3 the curfew has adversely been affecting their business, aside the inconvenience it will cause to some commuters who rely on them for services.
He said they also serve as ambulance hence the curfew could cause lives to the people who may require their services in times of need at night.
Since the introduction of the tricycle in the three regions of the north by the Mahama-government under the MASLOC programme, it has become the means of transport for most people in the areas.
The tricycles which were given to people on hire purchase, later became common as private dealers imported some for sale on the open market.
It has taken over the services of taxis in the areas due to its affordability. In the Upper East Region in particular, market women patronize the tricycles the most
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