TraffiTech-GH: ‘If fines are too expensive, don’t overspeed’ – Mahama to motorists

President John Dramani Mahama has advised motorists to refrain from speeding in order to prevent costly fines under the new TraffiTech-GH traffic enforcement system. In an interview at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda, Mahama stated that drivers who adhere to speed limits will not face penalties, emphasizing that compliance with traffic regulations is the simplest method to avoid sanctions.

He suggested that if fines seem too expensive, then motorists should simply not exceed the speed limit. This stance comes as public debate has arisen regarding the reasonsableness of the fines imposed under TraffiTech-GH, with some motorists questioning the proportionality of the penalties, especially considering the condition of roads in certain parts of the country.

Mahama asserted that enforcing speed limits is crucial for mitigating dangerous driving and diminishing preventable road accidents, arguing that road repairs and traffic law enforcement should be pursued concurrently, regardless of the roads' condition. He referenced the United Kingdom's use of speed cameras, highlighting that even imperfect road networks benefit from traffic enforcement technology.

TraffiTech-GH initially targets overspeeding, with future expansion planned to include other violations such as running red lights and unauthorized parking. To enhance transparency, Mahama directed authorities to place clear warning signs prior to areas equipped with speed cameras, aiming to ensure motorists are adequately informed about the system's deployment and operation.