64,000 ‘nabbed’ by cameras in 8 days

KUALA LUMPUR: Almost 64,000 images of traffic offenders captured using the Automated Enforcement System (AES) are being studied by the Road Transport Department (RTD), said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri yesterday.

He told the Dewan Rakyat that 63,558 images were taken between Sept 23 and 30 at 14 locations using 10 fixed and four mobile cameras.

“The most common offences were speeding and beating the red light.

“Summonses will be issued only after RTD has finished checking the images and videos.”

He said this when replying to a query from PKR member of parliament Dr Lee Boon Chye on AES statistics.

Rahim defended the outsourcing of the AES camera installation to ATES Road Safety and Beta Tegap, which received criticism from the opposition.

"By outsourcing it, the government did not have to come up with the initial investment and paid only the fees to the companies.

"The two companies were picked out of nine companies in in an open tender, after a strict vetting that included live demonstrations."

He said RTD placed large warning signs up to 3km before the cameras.

International studies had shown that such a system could reduce road fatalities and accidents.

AES is installed at 560 accident-prone areas and 265 traffic light junctions. After images of traffic offenders are captured, RTD will send out notices within five days to vehicle owners and they have two months to settle the RM300 fine.

- New Straits Times