The Transport Ministry (MOT) today revealed that it is planning to add more Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) cameras, formerly known as the Automated Enforcement System (AES) on the road.
Its Deputy Minister, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah in the Dewan Rakyat today said that the move is meant to reduce the risk of accidents caused by road users not adhering to the traffic rules, especially in regard to speed limit.
He added that more AWAS cameras will be installed in new locations nationwide, with priority to ‘black spots’ or locations where there are high accident rates.
Hasbi Habibollah asserted,
“The effectiveness of AWAS cameras is backed by a study done by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) on road users’ compliance level on the speed limit.”
“At the locations where the cameras are installed, the compliance level is at 99% and accordingly, decreases the chances of road accidents.”
Deputy Transport Minister, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah
Besides that, the Deputy Transport Minister also confirmed that MOT and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) are currently studying equipping new AWAS cameras in new locations with features capable of capturing speed from digital vehicle registration plates or e-plates.
Utilising radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, an e-plate emits a signal for tracking and digital monitoring.
Hence authorities don’t have to just rely on the photos of road users breaking the law as their details can be recorded via the radio signal emitted from the e-plate. This also allows for roadblocks to be conducted swiftly.
So, what do you guys think of more AWAS cameras and potentially more advanced versions of them on the road? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: PDRM: Up to 6-Month Jail for Running Red Light, 24-Hour Cameras Fitted Nationwide to Catch Offenders
