Ghana police to start spot fines this year

The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) says the much anticipated spot fine for traffic offenders would be rolled out this year after getting the needed approval from stakeholders.

The spot fine covers minor traffic offences such as driving a vehicle without reflectors, non-conformity with restrictions on horns and sirens, driving by under-aged persons, using communication device while driving and using motorcycle or tricycle for commercial passenger services.

The Spot Fine was initially intended to be rolled out in 2013 by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) but suffered a rejection by transport operators, citing lack of education and consultation.

Speaking at a news conference in Accra however, Mr David Osafo Adonteng, Director, Planning and Programme at NRSC said the Spot Fine is ready to take off this year.

He said, per the spot fine, there would be two options for any minor traffic offenses committed by any road user.

“Admit your offense, take a ticket, go to a pay-point and pay the fine or deny your offense and request a court date”.

“As a driver, one must drive carefully within the requirements of the road law. Refusal to do this would attract a spot fine of GH₵60.00 for each minor traffic offense of up to five offenses, a total of 40 penalty units or GH₵480.00,” he explained.

He urged drivers to try to keep minor offenses minimum-below five times to avoid being sent to court for prosecution, which could lead to higher fine, sentencing to imprisonment, suspension or revocation of driver’s license.

In a speech read on his behalf, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Angwubotoge Awuni, Director of MTTD said the Department would support the implementation of the spot fine to make it a success.

Source: GNA