Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has warned that Ghana’s newly introduced TraffiTech-GH traffic enforcement system could face legal challenges if authorities fail to address concerns surrounding its implementation, accuracy and reliability in detecting speeding offences.
According to the lawyer, motorists who receive traffic violation tickets through the automated enforcement system have the constitutional and legal right to challenge the penalties in court, particularly where they doubt the credibility of the evidence used against them.
Speaking in an interview with JoyNews’ Emefa Akosua Adeti, Kpebu said he would not be surprised if some drivers decided to contest speeding fines issued through TraffiTech-GH, describing such legal actions as a normal part of Ghana’s democratic and judicial processes.
“Knowing Ghana the way we are, a country of laws, I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody were to challenge it. It’s okay. It helps to improve the boundaries of the law,” he stated.
He emphasised that motorists accused of violating road traffic regulations should have the opportunity to dispute the allegations rather than being compelled to accept penalties without questioning the evidence.
TraffiTech-GH Must Ensure Transparency and Reliable Evidence
Addressing concerns about the implementation of the automated traffic monitoring system, Kpebu urged the authorities to ensure that the technology achieves its primary objective of making traffic law enforcement more efficient, transparent and convenient.
He explained that motorists should be able to access video footage showing their alleged traffic violations, examine the evidence and pay the appropriate fines where an offence is established.
According to him, the system should eliminate unnecessary administrative delays and prolonged disputes while making the process of resolving traffic violations faster and more straightforward.
“The main purpose of the TraffiTech is to make it easier and quicker for resolution of the breaches,” he explained.
Faulty Speed Cameras Could Undermine Public Confidence
Kpebu further warned that the success of TraffiTech-GH would depend largely on public confidence in the accuracy of the speed detection devices and the evidence generated by the technology.
He recalled previous controversies involving speed detection equipment in Ghana, including allegations that faulty devices had been used by some police officers to accuse motorists of exceeding legally permitted speed limits.
The lawyer cautioned that these past experiences could create public distrust in the new traffic enforcement system if the government and relevant authorities fail to demonstrate that the equipment is properly calibrated, reliable and capable of producing accurate results.
He therefore stressed the importance of transparency, credible evidence and effective safeguards to protect motorists against wrongful traffic violation penalties.
As Ghana intensifies efforts to improve road safety and enforce traffic regulations through technology, addressing these concerns will be essential to ensuring public acceptance of TraffiTech-GH and preventing avoidable legal disputes.
Source: newsthemegh.com