The Public Relations Officer of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, David Agboado, has accused the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of engaging in what he describes as “digital extortion” through its enforcement of road traffic regulations using the TraffiTech-GH system.
Mr Agboado has called on the authorities to address existing road infrastructure and traffic-management challenges before intensifying the use of digital surveillance technology to punish motorists for traffic offences.
According to him, government agencies must first resolve problems such as malfunctioning traffic lights, inadequate parking facilities and the occupation of designated bus stops by traders to ensure that drivers are not unfairly penalised.
Speaking on the Classy Morning Show with DJ Slim, the drivers’ association representative questioned why the MTTD appeared to be concentrating mainly on speeding offences when the TraffiTech-GH system was also designed to detect illegal parking, red-light violations and other road traffic offences.
He argued that the selective enforcement of traffic regulations undermines the effectiveness and fairness of the digital traffic monitoring system.
“They are only using one aspect of it and the law must not be ‘pick and choose’,” he stated, insisting that the MTTD should apply all aspects of the system consistently.
Concerned Drivers Association Questions TraffiTech-GH Enforcement
Mr Agboado described the department’s concentration on speeding offences as questionable, arguing that the transition from traditional traffic enforcement to digital monitoring should not create additional financial pressure on motorists.
He alleged that the new approach amounted to a modernised form of extortion, describing it as a shift from physical enforcement practices to what he termed digital extortion.
Although he acknowledged that motorists captured by TraffiTech-GH for exceeding speed limits had committed traffic offences, he maintained that authorities must ensure that road conditions and traffic-management shortcomings do not expose drivers to unfair penalties.
He stressed that effective road safety enforcement should be accompanied by improvements in traffic infrastructure, proper road signage and functional traffic-control systems.
Faulty Traffic Lights Raise Concerns Over Digital Traffic Cameras
One of the challenges highlighted by the Concerned Drivers Association concerns a traffic light at Neoplan in Achimota, which Mr Agboado claims does not display an amber warning signal when changing from green to red.
He questioned how motorists could be fairly penalised by traffic cameras when the traffic-light system itself allegedly had operational deficiencies.
According to him, drivers passing through the intersection risk being captured by the TraffiTech-GH cameras despite the reported absence of a proper amber transition signal.
He argued that the MTTD must investigate and resolve such infrastructure problems to prevent disputes and ensure that traffic regulations are enforced fairly.
Traders Occupying Bus Stops Affect Drivers
Mr Agboado also raised concerns about traders occupying designated bus stops, saying the situation has created difficulties for commercial drivers who need appropriate spaces to pick up and drop off passengers.
He questioned why drivers should face digital traffic penalties or possible arrest for parking-related offences when authorities have allegedly failed to prevent traders from obstructing designated bus stops.
He maintained that traffic-management authorities must address illegal trading activities around bus stops and ensure that public transport operators have access to designated stopping areas.
The drivers’ association representative consequently challenged the MTTD to explain why TraffiTech-GH enforcement appeared to prioritise speeding offences while other violations, including illegal parking and running red lights, remained areas of concern.
Call for Fair and Consistent Traffic Law Enforcement in Ghana
The concerns raised by the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana have renewed discussions about digital traffic enforcement, road safety, traffic cameras and the implementation of modern transport regulations.
While technology-based traffic monitoring is intended to improve road discipline and reduce accidents, Mr Agboado believes its implementation must be supported by functional road infrastructure and effective traffic management.
He is therefore calling for a comprehensive approach that combines strict enforcement of traffic laws with improvements in road infrastructure, functioning traffic lights, accessible bus stops and fair treatment of motorists.
The debate highlights the need to balance road safety, digital traffic monitoring and the protection of motorists’ rights as Ghana expands technology-driven traffic enforcement through the TraffiTech-GH system.
Source: newsthemegh.com