GPRTU backs TraffiTech-GH, demands action on traders at lorry stations

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has thrown its support behind the TraffiTech-GH digital traffic enforcement system but is urging the government to address challenges posed by traders occupying roads and lorry stations.

The Union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, said commercial drivers were not opposed to the initiative, which is intended to curb speeding and reduce road accidents.

Speaking on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Amoah said the Union’s concern was that authorities appeared to be prioritising speed enforcement without giving similar attention to the difficulties drivers faced at their stations.

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He said drivers had been raising concerns about traders occupying roads and lorry stations since September 13, but their complaints had not received the necessary attention.

“We are not against TraffiTech or the enforcement of speed limits. We support the initiative fully. However, we are also appealing to the authorities to help us enforce L.I. 146 and address the challenges we face at our stations,” he said.

Amoah recounted how he received a warning while driving around La after his vehicle was detected travelling at 80 kilometres per hour in an area with a speed limit of 50 km/h.

He said the experience had made him more cautious whenever he drove through the area.

“I was driving around La when I received a warning that I was travelling at 80 kilometres per hour instead of the permitted 50. Since then, I have become very careful whenever I drive around that area,” he stated.

According to him, the experience demonstrated how the system could encourage drivers to comply with speed limits and improve road safety.

However, he maintained that similar efforts were needed to prevent traders from occupying roads and lorry stations, which he said affected commercial transport operations.

“If the government has considered it necessary to introduce TraffiTech to deal with road accidents, then we should also find a way to address the activities of traders on our roads and at lorry stations,” he added.

Amoah further disclosed that the Union accepted the initiative after the Director of Education, Research and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, engaged transport operators on its implementation.

He stressed that the GPRTU was seeking a balanced approach that would promote compliance with traffic regulations while addressing the challenges confronting commercial drivers.

NA/BAI

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