Takoradi — THE Western Regional Minister, Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo, has urged transport unions in the country to co-exist peacefully, to ensure industrial harmony.

"Since the constitution allows freedom of association, provided the formation of any association is not inimical to any individual or body's freedom, it is incumbent upon all to allow different shades of opinion," stated a release issued and signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Peter Essiam Asante.

According to the Minister, union leaders and their members should also endeavour to develop good and harmonious working relations with the government, to find solutions to problems in the transport sector.

The release noted that the Minister made the statement when a delegation of executive members of the Progressive Transport Association (PROTOA), led by its National Chairman, Mr. Ben Amoabeng Peprah, called on him at his office in Sekondi.

The Minister, according to the release, expressed regret over the upsurge of accidents on our roads, and appealed to the union leaders to educate their members on road safety.

To ensure discipline on our roads, the Minister admonished the drivers to observe traffic regulations, and ensure the proper maintenance of their vehicles.

Responding to the appeal made by the Minister, the release indicated that the National Chairman of PROTOA, Mr. Ben Amoabeng Peprah, pledged the union's commitment to road safety regulations, and indicated his outfit's readiness to abide by the rules in the transport sector.

"He was of the belief that government, security agencies and transport unions, will all play their respective roles to end road accidents in the country," the release pointed out.

According to the release, the Union Chairman gave assurance that PROTOA would always be ready to release vehicles to support the Regional Coordinating Council during cleanup exercises. The Chairman, according to the release, called on government to grant fair play in the use of lorry parks all over the country by the various transport unions.

Meanwhile, the lack of a proper parking place for most vehicles, that used to operate at the Kojokrom 'Trotro' station, is giving the Sekondi-Takoradi city authorities a lot of problems.

Many 'trotro' vehicles operating in the metropolis now park indiscriminately. The Axim Road, Liberation and Ahanta roads have all been taken over by the drivers.