Saturday October 13, 2012

Minister: With AES, traffic offences fell by more than half

PUTRAJAYA: The number of drivers caught for traffic violation fell by more than half since the Automated Enforcement System in the last week.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha said more road users now were complying with traffic laws as they were aware of the AES cameras, which started operations on Sept 23.

This, he said, also reflected the aim of the AES’ installations — to educate Malaysians on being responsible road users and bring down the number of road accidents.

“The number of people caught on AES dropped by about 60%,” Kong told reporters here. “Our research in other countries that have the AES showed that the system reduces the number of fatalities on the roads. The AES does save lives and reduce accidents.”

On Oct 4, Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri told Dewan Rakyat that 63,558 traffic offences were caught on the 14 AES cameras installed at accident blackspots in Perak, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

At yesterday’s meeting, the Cabinet deliberated on the public concerns raised over the system.

“Some complained of poor visibility of signboards that warn motorists of AES camera zones, and the brief two-second grace period given to stop at red lights,” said Kong.

Several politicians had wanted the implementation of the system postponed. A total 831 cameras were to have been set up nationwide in within 18 months.

“The public must know that our intentions are for the greater good,” said Kong.

“It is not something that should be politicised. When the police carry out road-block inspections, road users accuse them of soliciting bribes,” said Kong. “But, with the AES, that is eliminated.”

In GEORGE TOWN, Penang Municipal councillor and Infrastructure and Transport committee member Ng Chek Siang said the 29 AES planned for the island were rejected two months ago.

“We rejected the Road Transport Department’s proposal because the plan poses a burden to the people and are not designed based on the traffic plan,” he said, claiming that the public was “happy” with the state’s decision.

Seberang Perai Municipal Council’s Infrastructure and Transport committee member Francis Ong Koon Liak said the proposal to install 28 cameras on the mainland was still being discussed.

News

Saturday October 13, 2012

Minister: With AES, traffic offences fell by more than half