SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION TOUCHES LIVES MORE CLOSELY: THE CASE OF L.I. 2519 AND TRAFFITECH

By Superlaw Admin · 12 November 2026 · ≈ 5 min read

By Benjamin Tachie Antiedu, Esq & Goodnuff Appiah Larbi, PhD ABSTRACT

Subsidiary legislation is often regarded as a technical aspect of lawmaking, yet it is through subsidiary legislation that the effects of many Acts of Parliament are translated into the everyday lives of citizens. This article examines the practical significance of subsidiary legislation through the Road Traffic Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2519), and the TRAFFITECH-GH automated traffic enforcement initiative.

It demonstrates how regulatory provisions governing speed limits, commercial motorcycle operations and electronic traffic enforcement directly affect motorists, vehicle owners, commercial drivers and pedestrians. This article also highlights the importance of public education, fairness in enforcement and parliamentary scrutiny in ensuring that delegated legislation remains lawful, transparent and responsive to the public interest. It argues that the true significance of subsidiary legislation lies in its ability to transform broad legislative policies into practical rules that regulate, protect and influence everyday conduct.

1.0 INTRODUCTION
Legislation is often perceived as something distant from the ordinary citizen. Acts of Parliament are debated, passed and published, but their practical impact is frequently felt through the detailed rules that govern everyday conduct. These rules are commonly found in subsidiary legislation.While an Act of Parliament establishes the broad legal framework, subsidiary legislation translates that framework into practical obligations, procedures, standards and sanctions. It is through these rules that citizens often encounter the law directly.The Road Traffic Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2519), and the TRAFFITECH-GH initiative provide a compelling illustration of how subsidiary legislation touches the lives of ordinary Ghanaians.

2.0 FROM LEGISLATIVE POLICY TO EVERYDAY OBLIGATIONS

The Road Traffic Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2519) gives practical effect to the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153). They provide detailed requirements intended to improve road safety, regulate road users and strengthen traffic enforcement. Consider speed limits. An Act may establish the general obligation to comply with traffic regulations, but subsidiary legislation prescribes the specific limits applicable to different roads and locations. These requirements directly affect motorists, pedestrians, schoolchildren and other road users.Also, the Regulations address commercial motorcycle, tricycle and quadricycle operations, including licensing, registration, training and safety requirements. These provisions affect the livelihoods of commercial riders, the safety of passengers and the responsibilities of transport regulators.The significance is that citizens may never read the parent Act, but they experience the practical consequences of the Regulations in their daily activities.

3.0 TRAFFITECH-GH: WHEN THE LAW ENTERS THE CITIZEN’S MOBILE PHONE

One of the most visible illustrations of the practical impact of L.I. 2519 is the introduction of automated traffic enforcement through TRAFFITECH-GH.
The system uses cameras and other technological devices to detect specified traffic violations, including speeding and running red lights. Recorded evidence is reviewed and validated before an Electronic Notice of Violation (ENV) is issued. This represents a significant change in the traditional experience of traffic enforcement. A motorist no longer needs to be physically stopped by a police officer before a traffic violation can be detected and processed. Imagine a motorist receiving an SMS notifying them of a traffic violation. The motorist may access the evidence, pay the prescribed fine or challenge the notice where the alleged violation is disputed. Failure to comply within the stipulated period may attract additional financial consequences.The law has therefore moved from the pages of the Gazette into the citizen’s mobile phone, financial obligations and daily decisions. This is the practical power of subsidiary legislation.

4.0 SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION MUST ALSO PROTECT THE CITIZEN

The practical impact of subsidiary legislation makes legality, fairness and accountability particularly important. The fact that a legislative instrument has been made does not place its implementation beyond scrutiny. Firstly, subsidiary legislation must remain within the authority conferred by the Constitution and the enabling Act. It must not exceed the powers delegated to the authority making it. Secondly, automated enforcement must be supported by reliable evidence. The accuracy, proper calibration and integrity of cameras and other technological devices are essential.

Thirdly, citizens must have a meaningful opportunity to verify and challenge electronic notices. The enforcement process must be transparent and fair.
Finally, public education is indispensable. Motorists, commercial drivers, transport unions, vehicle owners and pedestrians must understand the requirements of the Regulations and the consequences of non-compliance.The effectiveness of subsidiary legislation should not be measured only by the number of offences detected or penalties imposed, but also by its contribution to public safety, compliance and the protection of citizens.

5.0 THE ROLE OF PARLIAMENTARY SCRUTINY

The experience of L.I. 2519 reinforces the importance of parliamentary scrutiny of subsidiary legislation.Parliament does not surrender its legislative responsibility merely because it delegates the power to make detailed regulations to a Minister or another authorised body. The Committee on Subsidiary Legislation plays an important role in examining legislative instruments to ensure conformity with the Constitution, the enabling Act and the principles governing delegated legislation.Such scrutiny must consider not only legal validity but also clarity, consistency, enforceability and the potential impact on citizens.A provision that appears technical during parliamentary examination may eventually determine whether a motorist pays a fine, whether a commercial rider can operate or whether a vehicle owner incurs an additional financial obligation. Parliamentary scrutiny must therefore never be treated as a mere procedural formality.

6.0 CONCLUSION: THE LAW THAT CITIZENS FEEL There is an important distinction between the law that citizens read and the law that citizens experience.The parent Act establishes the legal foundation, but subsidiary legislation gives that foundation practical expression.L.I. 2519 and TRAFFITECH-GH demonstrate this reality. The motorist who receives an electronic traffic violation notice, the commercial rider who must satisfy licensing requirements and the pedestrian protected by prescribed speed limits all experience the practical consequences of subsidiary legislation.Indeed, the importance of subsidiary legislation lies not merely in the fact that it is law, but in its ability to translate parliamentary authority into rules that regulate, protect and influence the daily lives of citizens.Parliament makes the law, subsidiary legislation gives it operational meaning, and the citizen experiences its consequences. REFERENCESA.
Legislation
Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683).
Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1153).
Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519).
B. Books1. Antiedu BT, Subsidiary Legislation in Ghana: Principles, Practice and Procedure (Pentecost Printing Press Ltd 2025).2. Antiedu BT, Reading the Law (Pentecost Printing Press 2019).C. Electronic and Institutional Resources1. Ghana Police Service, ‘Traffitech-GH’ (Automated Traffic Enforcement System), available at: Ghana Police Service – Traffitech-GH (accessed 12 November 2026).

AUTHORS

Lawyer Benjamin Tachie Antiedu is a parliamentary professional, legal author and lawyer with experience in legislative practice and parliamentary procedure.

Email: antiben2000@yahoo.com

AND Dr Goodnuff Appiah Larbi is a Professional Law Student at the Ghana School of Law. His research interests include governance, constitutional jurisprudence and development administration.

Email: aappiahlarbi@gmail.com