The Ghana Committed Drivers Association (GCDA) has urged the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to immediately stop what it describes as the “illegal” imposition of spot fines on drivers.
According to the Association, since June this year, the DVLA has been enforcing a flat charge of GH¢225 on drivers who breach road traffic regulations under what it calls “delinquency fees.” The enforcement followed a public notice issued by the Authority’s Compliance and Enforcement Unit, which cited the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180).
However, the GCDA insists the DVLA has no legal mandate to impose such fines. In a statement, the Association argued that the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), which serves as the parent law, does not empower the Authority to unilaterally introduce or collect fines of any kind.
“Our lawyers have petitioned the Minister for Transport to intervene by directing the DVLA to cease this practice immediately and refund all monies collected from drivers so far,” the GCDA said.
The Association further disclosed that it has notified the Attorney General and will head to court if its petition is not given the necessary attention.
Representing thousands of professional and private drivers nationwide, the GCDA stressed that while it supports efforts to enhance road safety, such measures must not be implemented outside the law.
