GPRTU raises road infrastructure concerns before TRAFFITECH-GH rollout

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is calling for significant improvements to road infrastructure before the Ghana Police Service rolls out the TRAFFITECH-GH system. The union's leadership expressed concerns that current road conditions, characterized by missing signs and faded markings, could undermine the effectiveness of the new electronic traffic enforcement initiative. The GPRTU emphasized that for the system to achieve its intended goals, the physical road environment must meet international safety standards to provide clear guidance to motorists, ensuring that the technology is implemented fairly.

Samuel Amoah, the Deputy Communications Director for the GPRTU, highlighted specific deficiencies that the union believes must be addressed immediately. These include the lack of visible road signs, pedestrian pathways, and clearly demarcated bus stops in major urban areas. Amoah noted that without designated bus stops, commercial drivers are often forced to pick up or drop off passengers in areas that might be flagged by automated cameras, leading to potentially unfair penalties. The union argues that infrastructure must be functional and legible to ensure that drivers can comply with regulations without confusion.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the GPRTU is advocating for a shift in focus from revenue collection to genuine road safety. While the upcoming police enforcement measures will initially target speeding and red-light violations, the union believes that success should be measured by the reduction of accidents rather than the volume of fines issued. Amoah also called for more comprehensive driver education programmes to ensure that all road users understand the technicalities of the TRAFFITECH-GH system and updated traffic regulations before strict enforcement begins.

The introduction of TRAFFITECH-GH represents a significant technological shift in Ghana's traffic management strategy, moving toward automated monitoring and ticketing. However, the GPRTU's stance suggests that technological solutions alone may not solve the nation’s road safety challenges without concurrent investment in physical infrastructure. As the police prepare for the rollout, the dialogue between transport unions and law enforcement will be critical in ensuring that the new system is perceived as a fair and effective tool for improving road safety across the country.