The Interior Ministry has confirmed that Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) officers will continue to patrol Ghana's roads despite the introduction of a new technology-driven traffic monitoring system, TraffiTech-GH. This system is expected to use cameras to detect traffic violations and send evidence and penalties directly to offenders' phones.
TraffiTech-GH Rolls Out, but MTTD Stays on the Road
The Interior Ministry's press secretary, Julius Anthony, explained that the automated traffic monitoring system is meant to complement the work of MTTD officers, rather than replace them. He emphasized that MTTD personnel will still be required to enforce traffic laws and ensure that offenders face the appropriate legal processes.
MTTD officers play a crucial role in educating motorists about road safety and preventing traffic violations, according to Mr. Anthony. He noted that motorists who default on traffic regulations must still be subjected to law enforcement procedures, making the presence of MTTD personnel necessary.
Collaboration Key to Successful Implementation
Mr. Anthony highlighted the need for collaboration among various institutions involved in the implementation of the new traffic technology. He stressed the importance of coordination between law enforcement agencies, ministries, and the Judiciary to ensure a coordinated system when the technology becomes fully operational.
The relevant agencies are currently working together to ensure a seamless system when the technology is fully operational, Mr. Anthony said. He emphasized the need for synergy between institutions to achieve the desired outcome.
How TraffiTech-GH Works
TraffiTech-GH is an automated traffic enforcement system developed by the Ghana Police Service to monitor road use and improve road safety. The system uses fixed intersection cameras, mobile vehicle-mounted cameras, handheld and tripod devices, as well as other digital monitoring tools to capture traffic offences.
Detected offences are transmitted to a 24-hour control room, where evidence is reviewed before electronic notices are issued to offenders. The notices will provide information including the location and date of the offence, the applicable fine, and visual evidence of the violation.
Fines are to be paid electronically within 14 days through the Ghana.gov platform. The system is designed to reduce direct interactions between motorists and police officers during enforcement, potentially limiting roadside disputes and opportunities for manual handling of traffic fines.
What's Next for TraffiTech-GH and MTTD?
The rollout of TraffiTech-GH is expected to cover more than 47 traffic offences as part of efforts to improve compliance with road safety regulations and reduce road crashes. As the technology becomes fully operational, it remains to be seen how MTTD officers will work alongside the automated system to ensure a safe and orderly flow of traffic on Ghana's roads.
Source: Joy Online
