Loke: All existing AES summonses to be wiped out

PUTRAJAYA: All existing summons issued under the Automated Enforcement System (AES) will be wiped out, with offending drivers getting off the hook. 

The move follows the Cabinet’s decision to take over the full operations of AES in the country from two private companies, effective Sept 1. 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said there were 3.1 million unpaid summonses as of May, which could be worth up to RM430mil. 

“This is a one-off," he stressed. 

After Sept 1, JPJ (Road Transport Department) will fully take over the operations of AES and any summons issued then has to be paid. 

"There will not be any more such offers or discounts,” said Loke at a press conference here. 

He said the concession agreement with the current operators of AES would expire on Aug 31 and the government had decided not to renew it. 

“From Sept 1, all operations of AES will be taken over by JPJ.

"This means that the operations of the speed cameras, the taking of photos, the issuance of summonses and such will be done by JPJ,” clarified Loke. 

He said in 2012, the previous government appointed two companies, Beta Tegap Sdn Bhd and ATES Sdn Bhd, to operate the AES. 

“Because the payment system to these two companies are lopsided, it received a public backlash. For every summon that was issued, RM16 was paid to the companies. 

“In 2015, the government ordered Lembaga Tabung Angkatan Tentera (LTAT), through its subsidiary Irat Properties, to take over the operations of AES. 

“RM555mil was paid to both companies by the previous government to take over its assets, which are merely 40 speed cameras along all the highways,” said Loke. 

He also “apologised” to road users who had paid for their AES summons, adding that no refunds would be given.

“I know those who have paid will feel it is unfair that we are cancelling unpaid summons.

"Since 2012, only 690,000 AES summons that were issued have been paid, which is about 18% of the total. 

“To those who have paid, I would like to say thank you and sorry at the same time,” said Loke.- Star