TraffiTech-GH could face legal challenges over speed detection accuracy - Kpebu

Private legal practitioner Martin Kpebu has warned that the TraffiTech-GH traffic enforcement system could face legal challenges from motorists if concerns about its implementation and the reliability of its speed detection equipment are not adequately addressed.

He said although motorists who receive traffic violation tickets have the right to challenge them in court, the authorities must ensure that the system operates transparently and that the evidence used to impose penalties is reliable.

Speaking in an interview with JoyNews’ Emefa Akosua Adeti, Kpebu said he would not be surprised if some motorists resorted to the courts to contest penalties issued through the system.

Asked whether he anticipated legal challenges arising from the way the system was being implemented, he said such action would be consistent with Ghana’s legal framework.

“Knowing Ghana the way we are, a country of laws, I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody were to challenge it. It’s okay. It helps to improve the boundaries of the law,” he stated.

He explained that motorists who receive traffic violation tickets are entitled to challenge the allegations in court rather than simply accept the penalties imposed on them.

However, when asked by Emefa whether he had identified any procedural flaws beyond concerns about public education, Kpebu pointed to the need to ensure that the technology fulfils its primary purpose of making traffic enforcement quicker and easier.

He said the system was expected to allow motorists accused of speeding to view video evidence of their alleged offences, acknowledge violations where established and pay the prescribed fines without lengthy disputes.

“The main purpose of the TraffiTech is to make it easier and quicker for resolution of the breaches,” he explained.

Kpebu argued that achieving this objective would depend largely on motorists having confidence in the accuracy of the machines and the reliability of the evidence they generate.

He recalled previous controversies in Ghana involving speed detection equipment, including allegations that some machines were faulty but were still being used by police officers to accuse motorists of speeding.

He said such experiences could make drivers suspicious of the new system, particularly if the authorities failed to provide convincing evidence that the equipment was accurate.