<<Print>>Some shoes sellers who ply their trade around the 37 office of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) are cashing in on a shoe ‘renting’ business. Per the rules of the DVLA, anybody who intends to take the practical test is required to do so in a pair of shoes or canvas; failure to do so, you are turned away by the testing officers.
As a result, shoe sellers are taking advantage of the situation and renting shoes to would-be drivers who cannot afford to buy the shoes immediately. A shoe seller around the Max Mart shopping centre, who spoke to The Mirror, said many people were usually turned away by the authorities following their failure to meet that requirement.
He explained that for GH¢5, a decent pair of second hand shoe could be rented and returned after the test. “The new shoes I sell are expensive so most people cannot buy, so I can give you a second hand shoe for that short period at a fee. However, if you can afford to buy it, fine.”
He said the shoes on rent were separated from the ones on sale so the individual had to choose whether to buy or rent, adding that aside the shoe sellers, some “gorro boys” were ready to give their shoes out at a fee. He explained that the borrower would have to leave his slippers or sandals and pick it upon return or deposit an amount equivalent to the price of the shoe.
This, he said, was to prevent people from stealing the shoes.
Reasons for wearing full shoes for driving
The Greater Accra Regional Manager of the DVLA, Mr Noah T. Matey, in an interview said drivers were expected to drive in shoes or canvases as slippers or sandals could entangle with the car carpet close to the pedals.
He said a slip on the pedals could result in an accident, therefore, it was important for drivers to cover their feet completely in order to prevent accidents. “Aside the dangers associated with this, it is very uncomfortable to drive in slippers and so right from the practical test, we try to discourage that habit,” he said.
Mr Matey said drivers were aware of this rule explaining that their duty was to ensure that the vehicles were in good conditions and drivers complied by the rules. On the shoe renting business, he said the authority was not aware of such business.
Road safety
Mr Matey called on road users to comply with road traffic regulations in order to prevent accidents.He particularly cautioned drivers to be extra careful during the Easter period to avoid accidents. He said because a lot of people travelled during Easter, there was the tendency that drivers would be in a hurry and might drive at top speed which could lead to road accidents.
He cautioned drivers against such conducts as wrong overtaking, over loading, drunk driving and using mobile phones while driving.
Dangers of sharing shoes
A medical practitioner, Dr Maxwell Onassis-Fiadjoe, said there was a possibility of spreading fungal infections from one person to another if a person with an infected foot or toe shared shoes or socks with different people.