The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) of Ghana has called on road agencies to address the issue of missing signs and markings on roads, as the country prepares to roll out its technology-driven traffic enforcement system, Traffictech GH. According to NRSA Director-General, Abraham Amaliba, the success of the initiative depends on the availability of basic road infrastructure, including clear road markings, functioning traffic lights, and visible speed limit signs.
The Traffictech GH initiative aims to promote responsible driving and reduce road crashes through technology-based monitoring and enforcement. The NRSA expects to assess the impact of the initiative on road crashes, injuries, and fatalities when it releases its next quarterly road safety report in December. This report will provide an opportunity to measure the effectiveness of Traffictech GH in improving road safety.
The NRSA has written to relevant road sector and infrastructure agencies to address the deficiencies in road safety installations on some roads. The Authority believes it would be unfair to penalize motorists in areas where the necessary infrastructure, particularly speed limit indicators, has not been provided. As a result, enforcement cameras under Traffic Tech GH will not be deployed in locations where speed limit signs are absent.
President John Dramani Mahama has emphasized the need for improved road markings and clearly displayed speed limits to complement technology-driven traffic enforcement. He noted that while the broader objective of Traffic Tech GH is to save lives and promote responsible driving, motorists must also be provided with the necessary road infrastructure to understand and comply with traffic regulations.
The NRSA is awaiting responses from the road sector agencies and expects feedback the following week. According to Mr. Amaliba, the Authority will not punish motorists for infrastructure that is not being provided. He explained that the Traffic Tech cameras will not be able to operate in areas where speed limit indicators are absent.
The rollout of Traffic Tech GH is expected to contribute to a reduction in road crashes and related fatalities. The NRSA's December road safety report will provide an indication of whether the initiative is achieving its objectives. The report will also highlight areas that need improvement, particularly with regards to road infrastructure.
The NRSA's call for improved road infrastructure is a significant step towards ensuring road safety in Ghana. The Authority's efforts to address the issue of missing signs and markings will help to create a safer environment for motorists. By working together with road agencies and infrastructure providers, the NRSA aims to reduce road crashes and promote responsible driving.
Key points
- The NRSA has written to road sector agencies to address deficiencies in road safety installations.
- Enforcement cameras under Traffic Tech GH will not be deployed in locations where speed limit signs are absent.
- The NRSA's December road safety report will assess the impact of Traffictech GH on road crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
