President John Dramani Mahama of Ghana has instructed that signposts be erected to indicate the locations of Traffitech-GH speed cameras, aiming to enhance transparency in the newly introduced traffic enforcement system. This directive comes as the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service began rolling out TraffiTech-GH on November 1. The system initially focuses on detecting speeding violations using camera technology.
The President's directive addresses concerns about the implementation of Traffitech-GH, with some arguing that road infrastructure should be improved before introducing the system. However, President Mahama insists that road safety measures should not wait for perfect road conditions. He cited the high number of children knocked down and killed or permanently injured while coming from school as a reason for checking over speeding.
President Mahama drew a comparison with the UK, where speed cameras are used despite imperfect roads. He emphasized that transparency is crucial when introducing innovations like Traffitech-GH. The President urged the police and those implementing Traffitech to put up signs showing where the cameras are located, warning motorists that there is a speed camera ahead.
The TraffiTech-GH system, implemented by the MTTD, aims to detect traffic violations, starting with speeding. The President noted that the system has not yet included other components such as jumping red lights or parking wrongly. He expressed his understanding that some members of the public suggest fixing roads before introducing Traffitech, but he disagrees with this approach.
President Mahama also addressed concerns about the fines under Traffitech being expensive. He suggested that if the fines are too expensive, motorists should avoid overspeeding. The President made these remarks during an interview with 1957 News on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
The introduction of Traffitech-GH aims to improve road safety in Ghana. According to President Mahama, the system is a necessary measure to check speeding and reduce accidents. He highlighted the importance of transparency in the implementation of the system, which includes warning motorists about the presence of speed cameras.
The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service will continue to deploy camera technology to detect traffic violations. The President's directive for signposts to be erected is expected to be implemented as part of the TraffiTech-GH system. This move is aimed at promoting transparency and road safety in Ghana.
Key points
- President John Dramani Mahama directs signposts for Traffitech cameras to enhance transparency.
- The TraffiTech-GH system initially focuses on detecting speeding violations.
- President Mahama disagrees that roads should be fixed before introducing Traffitech.
