The Ghana Police Service will begin full implementation of an automated traffic enforcement system from Oct. 1, using cameras and handheld devices to detect road offences and issue electronic violation notices to motorists.
The programme, known as TRAFFITECH-GH, will be implemented by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) as part of efforts to improve compliance with traffic laws and curb road indiscipline, the Police Service said in a statement Tuesday.
Under the system, traffic offences captured by cameras or Personal Data Assistant (PDA) devices will be reviewed before an Electronic Notice of Violation (ENV) is issued to the vehicle owner or driver through SMS.
The electronic notice will identify the offence and state the prescribed fine, according to the Police Service.
The move represents a shift toward technology-based traffic enforcement in Ghana, reducing reliance on officers being physically present at the point where an offence occurs.
Impact on motorists and enforcement
The Police Service is urging motorists, drivers and vehicle owners to comply with traffic regulations ahead of the October rollout.
The system is expected to strengthen the monitoring of traffic violations while providing authorities with a digital mechanism for identifying and notifying offenders.
The Police said the programme is intended to promote safer roads and reduce road crashes and casualties, although it did not provide details on the number of cameras to be deployed, the offences that will initially be covered or the total investment in the system.
The announcement also did not disclose how motorists will be able to challenge an electronic violation notice or the payment channels that will be used for fines.
TRAFFITECH-GH’s full implementation follows efforts by the MTTD to expand technology-assisted traffic enforcement as Ghana seeks to address persistent road safety challenges.
The Police Service has advised motorists to familiarise themselves with the programme and comply with road traffic laws before full implementation begins on Oct. 1.
