The Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, has clarified that fees charged for road traffic infractions and delinquency have existed since 2012 and are not a new initiative introduced under his leadership.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show during a discussion on DVLA’s roadside enforcement and related charges, Mr Kotey said:

“These have been there since 2012. It is not my doing. Just that the level of enforcement then wasn’t as efficient as it is now.”

According to him, when he assumed office, there were only six compliance officers working across the entire Greater Accra Region, making it extremely difficult to enforce the laws effectively.

“I got to the office and I met only six compliance officers for the whole of Accra. Some regions don’t even have compliance at all. But we are supposed to ensure compliance. What will six compliance officers do for the whole of Greater Accra?” he asked.

To address the gap, Mr Kotey said he introduced a policy to boost the number of officers across the country.

“So I made it a policy that I give each station 10 compliance officers. Based on the area they operate in, they know where they will go and stand and ensure compliance,” he explained.

He believes this move is what has made the public more aware of the infractions and delinquency fees now, not because they are new, but because enforcement has improved.

“So I am sure it is because I have equipped the compliance officers; that is why the public is now getting to know about this. But it's been there for a very long time. I didn’t bring that,” he said.

Mr Kotey further pointed out that these charges are backed by law and approved by Parliament.

“It is part of the L.I. [Legislative Instrument]. And coming into office, Parliament has not amended any L.I. for me. The first L.I. we sent to Parliament is the commercialisation of motorcycles, so I have not even amended any L.I. when it comes to this,” he said.

“These are fees approved by Parliament, and you can check the Traffic Regulation Act. So it is not my doing. I never implemented these. It’s been there already; it’s just that I have equipped my compliance officers to be more efficient and present on the road,” he added.