'It is not fair for the police to review their own decisions' – Bright Simons on TraffiTech-GH appeal process 

Honorary Vice-President of IMANI Africa, Bright Simons, has questioned the fairness of the dispute resolution mechanism under Ghana's newly launched automated traffic enforcement system, TraffiTech-GH.

He argued that motorists should not be required to challenge traffic fines through the same police institution responsible for enforcing them.

He said the arrangement could undermine public confidence in the system and called for an independent mechanism to review complaints from motorists who dispute electronic notices of violation.

Speaking on JoyNews' Newsfile programme on Saturday, November 7, Simons said the government must establish a fair and credible process to ensure that motorists receive impartial hearings when challenging penalties imposed under the system.

“But remember that you contest to the very police,” he said, questioning the impartiality of a process in which motorists must challenge penalties through the institution responsible for enforcing the traffic regulations.

The Policy Analyst argued that an independent review mechanism would strengthen public confidence in the system and ensure that motorists have access to a fair process when challenging penalties.

His concerns form part of broader questions he raised about the implementation of TraffiTech-GH, including the transparency of its public-private partnership, revenue-sharing arrangements and the protection of motorists' personal data.

Under the system, electronic notices of violation are sent to the registered owners of vehicles captured committing traffic offences.

Motorists are required to settle the fines within 14 days or challenge the notices through the prescribed process.

The system is intended to use technology to improve compliance with road traffic regulations and reduce road crashes.