MTTD identifies four road landmarks for speed limit enforcement

The Police Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) has clarified that motorists are legally responsible for observing speed limits based on four specific physical landmarks when road signs are absent. This education drive coincides with the rollout of the TraffiTech-GH automated camera system, which has faced public criticism regarding signage visibility. ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, Director of the MTTD, emphasized that under the Road Traffic Regulations, drivers are expected to recognize these environmental indicators as part of their standard driving training to ensure road safety.

To address concerns regarding inadequate signage, the MTTD is collaborating with road engineers to incorporate camera symbols into Ghana's traffic signs. This initiative aims to improve the visibility of speed zones and ensure drivers are aware of automated monitoring. Despite these planned improvements, ACP Obeng noted that many monitored roads already feature visible speed limits and urged motorists to adhere to regulations, as excessive speeds remain a leading cause of accidents.

The TraffiTech-GH system has encountered resistance from the Concerned Drivers Association, which has accused the MTTD of "digital extortion." The association’s Public Relations Officer, David Agboado, argued that the police should prioritize repairing faulty traffic lights and removing traders from bus stops before focusing on automated speeding fines. Critics suggest that the current focus on speeding represents selective enforcement that fails to address broader road infrastructure deficiencies that impact traffic flow.

In response to enforcement concerns, the MTTD has introduced an online portal for motorists to contest speeding fines during emergencies. Drivers who are penalized while rushing patients to a hospital can submit certified medical documentation to seek leniency. While administrative offices in Accra and Tema have been established to process these appeals, the police maintain that the primary objective of TraffiTech-GH is to enhance road safety and deter life-threatening speeds through consistent monitoring.