President John Dramani Mahama has insisted that Ghana’s TrafficTech automated enforcement system must proceed despite concerns over the condition of some roads, arguing that infrastructure challenges can not justify postponing efforts to curb speeding and improve road safety.
The system, which initially targets speeding motorists through automated detection and evidence-based enforcement, is expected to boost compliance with traffic regulations.
Its rollout has drawn complaints from some motorists who cite inadequate stakeholder consultation and the state of road infrastructure.
Responding to the criticism, Mahama pointed to the United Kingdom, where speed cameras operate even though roads are not perfect.
“I hear they say we should fix the roads before we introduce Traffic Tech. I mean, it doesn’t happen like that. The roads are not perfect in the UK, and yet they have speed cameras,” he said.
He stressed the human cost of speeding.
“People coming from school are knocked down and killed or permanently injured, and so it is important for us to check speeding,” he said.
Mahama noted that TrafficTech has so far focused on overspeeding and has not yet expanded to other offences such as jumping red lights or illegal parking.
The President called for greater transparency in the programme’s implementation.
He urged the police and TrafficTech operators to install clear signposts warning motorists of camera locations.
“All our edge [aim] is that the police and those implementing TrafficTech should put signs showing where the cameras are because that’s one of the things you need to do if you are introducing this kind of innovation. You need to put signposts warning motorists that there’s a speed camera ahead. I think that transparency is important,” he said.
Mahama offered a straightforward solution for drivers: obey the rules.
“If it’s too expensive, then don’t overspeed. That’s all. There’s a solution to it. The maximum speed in town is 50. However good the road is, you do 50. If you do 50, you are fine. You don’t have to pay anything,” he added.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
