BENTONG: Nine out of 10 motorists would comply with traffic laws if there are cameras placed nearby, making it a good reason for the Automated Enforcement System (AES) to be implemented.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said studies and tests conducted on drivers’ behaviour found that most drivers would adhere to the traffic laws with the existence of the cameras.
“Some 90% of the road users will comply with the speed limits on stretches with traffic cameras, compared to just 60% on roads without the monitoring system.
“It will be very effective in reducing accident and death rates if the cameras are installed at accident-prone areas,” he added.
Liow reiterated that the AES was not aimed at just punishing traffic offenders, but to serve as a reminder to motorists on the importance of road safety.
“We want to make the roads safer for all but enforcement and punishment alone cannot effectively achieve this goal.
“It is the driver’s self-discipline that helps save his life and that of others on the road,” he said after opening an annual Chinese calligraphy competition, held in conjunction with the Lunar New Year celebration, here yesterday.
Liow has been very concerned and upset over the increasing accident and death rates recorded in the country, saying that the figures had continued to shoot up despite efforts and campaigns run by the Government to educate the public on road safety.
According to the statistics, a road accident occurs in Malaysia every minute, with at least 18 deaths daily.
In 2015, a total of 6,706 people were killed in 489,606 accidents nationwide, compared with 6,674 fatalities and 476,196 accidents in 2014.
To save lives, Liow said, the ministry had planned to install more AES cameras on the roads, along with other measures including to strengthen and re-activate the Demerit Points System.Currently, the ministry is gathering the public feedback on the two systems.
Liow said the response was overwhelming, with many concerned members of the public suggesting locations for the cameras as well as improvements to the execution and enforcement of the AES.
The monitoring system, which came into operation in 2012, is aimed at reducing road accidents and fatalities.
Currently, there are 10 static and four mobile AES cameras operating in Perak, Selangor, Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur.
Keyword: AES effective in checking errant drivers, says minister