Radar | Jan 19,2025
City transport authorities have launched a new digital traffic management system that has already registered over 600,000 vehicles. The system is expected to save more than 17 million Br annually by replacing manual pads used for issuing fines and collecting parking fees.
This digital upgrade, introduced last week, covers parking, fine enforcement, and overall traffic management, with a plan to modernise the city’s transport system.
Kibebew Mideksa, director general of the Addis Abeba Traffic Management Authority (TMA), stated that traffic fine payments under the new system will begin this week.
“Manual processes will be completely eliminated,” he said.
The system, developed by Infratech Software Service Plc, integrates with data from the Addis Abeba Driver & Vehicle Licensing & Control Authority (DVLCA), automatically registering vehicles when they receive a service or fine.
It also includes a digital parking system to eliminate manual payments and address illegal parking. The technology registers parked vehicles, calculates fees, and processes payments online. Drivers will use a mobile app to locate parking spaces, access information on electric vehicle charging stations and public restrooms, and navigate to their destination.
Upon parking, the app tracks time automatically, allowing drivers to view fees and pay online through an account managed by the TMA.
The new system is expected to reduce the role of parking operators, who will now focus on recording the start and end times of parking services. According to Kibebew, the system aims to minimise corruption and overcharging while improving efficiency.
The change will impact around 140 parking associations employing 13,000 people. Their income will now come from a percentage-based agreement with the Authority instead of collecting directly from drivers.
Alongside the system, the TMA is constructing 44 new parking stations, adding to the 45 already operational across the city. The Authority has also fined 180 building owners 100,000 Br each for not opening their underground floors for parking. Buildings are required to open their parking areas to the public, with licenses and penalties enforced for non-compliance.
The traffic system is managed by a committee representing the TMA, Transport Bureau, Innovation & Technology Development Bureau, and the DVLCA. As part of the rollout, 1,500 tablets have been procured for 1,250 trained traffic officers.
The platform also includes real-time accident reporting and automatic vehicle registration. Traffic police can use the tablets to identify wanted vehicles and communicate directly with drivers via mass text messages about road closures, holidays, and important updates.
The new digital traffic management system links a vehicle's registration number to the owner's phone, allowing owners to add or modify driver information. When a traffic fine is issued, both the driver and owner receive text notifications. The system also tracks repeated violations and registers demerit points.
Kedamawi Mulualem, CEO of Infratech, stated the system will improve traffic control and hold drivers accountable. "It integrates traffic management aspects from parking to accident reporting and communication," he said.
The system enforces the Road Transport Traffic Control Regulation passed in August by the Council of Ministers. The regulation outlines traffic fines ranging from 500 Br to 20,000 Br, with drivers having the right to appeal.
Traffic offenses are categorised into three tiers with escalating fines. First-category offenses, such as distracted driving or carrying a child under 13 in the front seat, incur a 500 Br fine. Second-category offenses, including horn misuse, improper parking, and slow driving, carry a 1,000 Br fine. Third-category violations, like lane offenses, overloading, mobile phone use while driving, and seatbelt violations, result in a 1,500 Br fine.
Special violations, such as parking or stopping in prohibited areas, carry a 3,000 Br fine.
Demerit points are registered for each offense, and drivers accumulating too many points risk license suspension.
Yabibal Addis, head of the city’s Transport Bureau, believes the new digital system will enhance road safety and reduce congestion by enforcing traffic laws more effectively.
Biniyam Hailu, head of a parking works cooperative, said his association is not yet informed about the digital parking system. His cooperative, consisting of 11 members, manages parking for over 3,000 vehicles monthly, issuing between 3,000 and 6,000 tickets at 20 Br each.
However, Abiy Aleneh, a lecturer at Kotebe University of Education, says the city’s authorities should prioritise resources for essential services. He acknowledges that the system will increase revenue and simplify licensing. Abiy suggests public awareness campaigns and smarter infrastructure, such as cameras and digital tracking to prevent accidents and crime.
PUBLISHED ON
Jan 05,2025 [ VOL
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