Uganda’s new express traffic fine scheme utilizing automated technology has gone live, officials from Ministry of Works have said.
The system went live on Friday.
With the new system, cameras capture vehicle number plates and automatically detects traffic violations such as speeding or running red lights, and instantly sends a fine to the driver’s phone number.
The offender has a period of 72 hours to pay the fine or else it will double.
Allan Ssempebwa, Senior Communications Officer, Ministry of Works and Transport said for now, the new system, named Electronic Penalty System (EPSAuto) will be largely enforceable to motorists or riders who abuse the red light at traffic junctions and those violating speed limits.
“ Only these two violations. The rest shall still be enforceable as has been the case by traffic officers. So if you break those two rules, the system will automatically trigger an alert at the control center managed by the Uganda Police Force, and it will generate a ticket on your mobile phone,” Ssempebwa noted.
He urged motorists to beware.
“ But note that the EPS Auto also slaps fines not only on owners of digital plates but also on the old ones as well.”
Officials said the system applies to all vehicles, except those on emergency duty, and is designed to promote responsible driving and save lives”.
The development comes a few months after government reduced speed limits to 30km per hours in high-risk areas like schools and markets.
