The Police Invisible Eyes Are Watching initiative #PIEAW, aimed at reducing road traffic violations, Is rumoured to have officially begun, sparking discussions among the public.
One such conversation emerged in the TroTro Diaries Facebook group, where a member, Mr. Frimpong, shared concerns after seeing an SMS notification of a traffic fine online.
He asked, "What if I have sold my vehicle and the new owner hasn't completed the change of ownership, but I receive the fine notification for offenses they committed?"
The initiative, is a collaboration between the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the National Road Safety Authority.
The system behind this initiative is the Traffitech-Gh system, a speed-calming technology designed to curb speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors.
Known as the Police Invisible Eyes (#PIEAW), Traffitech-GH seeks to increase compliance of road traffic laws and regulations to reduce road traffic crashes, deaths and injuries
So, how does it work? The system uses ultra-high-definition cameras installed along major routes to monitor drivers from as far as 500 meters away. Traffitech-GH will deploy fixed, mobile/in-vehicle and radar gun devices to capture, speeding, and jumping red light.
Pictures and/or videos recorded of the Offence, are automatically
transmitted to a back office, for validation and issuance of a notification by SMS to the vehicle owner for payment. Other traffic Offences that will be enforced under Traffitech-GH are, expired road worthiness certificate, wrongful overtaking, non-use of seatbelts, use of mobile phones while driving, use of expired license, driving with an uninsured vehicle, abuse of
siren, etc
When a violation is detected, the car owner not necessarily the driver receives an electronic ticket via SMS, detailing the offense. Payment of fines can only be made through the Ghana.Gov platform, either via the app, USSD, or at the bank. There is no room for negotiation, and if the fine is not paid within 14 days, it will accumulate interest at 1% per day.
For those who believe they have been wrongly fined, there is an option to seek redress. However, this can only be done after the fine is paid. The appeal process involves filing a case in Traffic Court, where the evidence will be reviewed. If the driver is found not guilty, a full refund of the fine will be issued.
Given the current system, where fines are charged to the vehicle owner rather than the driver, vehicle owners especially those who rent out their cars are advised to be cautious.
If you are no longer the owner of the vehicle, you should have officially notified DVLA at time of selling your Vehicle . You remain legally responsible for violations committed with a vehicle registered in your name, until the updated ownership
As the Traffitech-Gh system is here to stay, drivers and vehicle owners alike should be mindful that the Police Invisible Eyes are always watching.
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