DVLA spot fines, just right however… repair the chaos on our roads – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In recent months the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) of Ghana has intensified spot‑fine enforcement on major thoroughfares such as the Haatso‑Atomic Road, Graphic Road and Kwame Nkrumah Circle. Drivers caught without a valid road‑worthy certificate, fire extinguisher, spare tyre or with defective lighting are charged GHC 225 per offence. While the fines appear to be a straightforward method of improving road safety, a deeper look reveals a paradox: the government penalises individual motorists for minor faults while many public street‑lighting systems remain broken, creating far greater risks for all road users.

This article analyses the current enforcement strategy, highlights the systemic shortcomings of Ghana’s road‑safety ecosystem, and offers practical recommendations for a more balanced, transparent, and effective approach.

Analysis

Why Spot Fines Matter

Spot fines are a proven tool for deterring traffic violations. Studies by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) show that visible enforcement can reduce offences such as driving without a seatbelt by up to 30 % (NRSA Annual Report, 2023). The DVLA’s recent focus on vehicle‑inspection compliance aligns with the government’s broader goal of cutting the high rate of road‑traffic injuries, which the World Health Organization lists as one of Ghana’s top public‑health challenges.

The Hidden Cost of Faulty Street Lighting

Despite the emphasis on driver compliance, thousands of street‑lighting fixtures across Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi remain non‑functional. A 2022 audit by the Ministry of Roads and Highways recorded that 18 % of municipal lighting poles were either dark or flickering on major intersections such as Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Mallam‑Kasoa Street. Poor illumination increases the likelihood of:

• Pedestrian‑vehicle collisions
• Wrong‑way driving and lane violations
• Delayed emergency response times

In comparison, a single GHC 225 fine recovers only a fraction of the economic loss caused by a preventable crash. The WHO Road Safety Factsheet estimates that a fatal accident in Ghana can cost a household up to GHC 20,000 in lost income, medical expenses, and funeral costs.

Fragmented Accountability

The DVLA operates under the Ministry of Transport, whereas street‑lighting maintenance falls to the Ministry of Roads and Highways and local district assemblies. This split jurisdiction creates a “responsibility vacuum” where each agency can point to the other when problems arise. The result is a patchwork of regulations, enforcement actions, and infrastructure neglect.

Transparency and Revenue Use

Each fine contributes to a growing fund, yet there is limited public information on how the money is reinvested. The NRSA’s 2023 financial statement notes that only 12 % of collected fines were earmarked for road‑safety education, with the remainder absorbed into the general treasury. Without clear reporting, fines risk being perceived as a “revenue‑generation tool” rather than a deterrent.

Summary

The DVLA’s spot‑fine campaign targets individual driver negligence, which is an essential component of road‑safety strategy. However, the persistent failure of public street lighting, fragmented inter‑ministerial accountability, and opaque use of fine revenues undermine the campaign’s effectiveness. A holistic approach that balances enforcement with infrastructure investment is needed to truly reduce traffic‑related injuries in Ghana.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Drivers

1. Carry all mandatory safety items (fire extinguisher, spare tyre, reflective triangle) and ensure they are up‑to‑date.
2. Schedule regular vehicle inspections at accredited DVLA centres to avoid surprise fines.
3. When approaching poorly lit intersections, reduce speed, use high‑beam headlights (if safe), and stay alert for pedestrians.
4. Report non‑functional street lights to the Ministry of Roads and Highways via their 311 hotline or mobile app.

For Policy Makers

• Establish a joint task force between the DVLA, NRSA, and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to coordinate enforcement and infrastructure upgrades.
• Allocate a fixed percentage (e.g., 30 %) of fine revenue directly to street‑lighting repair and road‑marking maintenance.
• Introduce a public dashboard that tracks fine collection, expenditure, and progress on lighting projects.
• Implement periodic audits of municipal lighting, with clear timelines for remediation.

For Community Leaders

Local assemblies should conduct quarterly walkthroughs of major intersections, document faulty fixtures, and lobby the central government for rapid repairs. Community‑based “road‑watch” groups can also assist in monitoring compliance and reporting hazards.

Points of Caution

While increasing fines may appear to boost compliance, overly punitive measures can lead to unintended consequences such as:

• Drivers avoiding inspection centres, resulting in unregistered or unsafe vehicles on the road.
• Public perception of the DVLA as a “revenue collector” rather than a safety regulator.
• Potential legal challenges if fines are deemed disproportionate to the offence.

Any policy shift should be evaluated for equity, proportionality, and impact on vulnerable road users.

Comparison

Ghana vs. Regional Benchmarks

Regional neighbours allocate a higher share of fine proceeds to public‑infrastructure projects, resulting in better‑maintained street lighting and lower accident rates.

Legal Implications

The DVLA’s enforcement actions are grounded in the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683), which mandates vehicle road‑worthiness and the presence of safety equipment. Failure to comply can lead to:

• Monetary penalties (GHC 225 per offence)
• Possible vehicle impoundment if the offence is repeated within 12 months
• Legal liability in the event of a crash where non‑compliant equipment contributed to injury or death.

Conversely, the Ministry of Roads and Highways has a statutory duty under the Public Works Act, 1976 to maintain road infrastructure, including lighting. Persistent neglect could be challenged in court on grounds of “failure to provide a safe public environment,” especially if it can be linked to preventable fatalities.

Conclusion

The DVLA’s spot‑fine initiative is a step in the right direction for improving driver compliance, but it cannot succeed in isolation. The glaring disparity between strict enforcement of minor vehicle faults and the chronic neglect of public street lighting undermines the overall goal of safer roads. A coordinated, transparent, and well‑funded approach—where fine revenues are earmarked for tangible infrastructure upgrades—will restore public confidence, reduce accidents, and ultimately save lives.

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