-
In the spotlight:The AES hasreceived mixedreactions over itseffectiveness.
The AES may not be the only solution to reducing road accidents but it can be an effectiveinitiative in the long run.
Dr Radin Umar: AES offersa 24-7 enforcement
opportunity, provided it isset up properly and there isgood acceptance by all.
By SHAHANAAZ [email protected]
ITwas supposed to be the solution for many of Malaysia's roadsafety woes, but the Automated
Enforcement System (AES)hasinstead drawn mixed reactions.The latest was the Selangor stategovernment's decision to block theinstallation and implementation ofthe system until an independentvaluator reviewed if the TransportMinistry has "holistically" considered all necessary procedures.
Transport expert and UniversitiPutra Malaysia vice-chancel-lor Datuk Dr Radin Umar RadinSohaidi, who came up with the AESconcept when he was heading theMalaysian Institute of Road SafetyResearch (Miros), shares his viewson the automated system.
> Is the AESreally the way to goto bring down road accidents andfatalities?
It is one of the proven ways totackle speed-related crashes andred light-running crashes in anycountry. In Malaysia, we haveabout 1,500 deaths, 5,000 serious injuries, 12,000 slight injuries,(and) around 50,000 damage-onlycrashes related to speed and running red lights every year on ourroads. Many are just victims likeyou and me.
> What are the pros and cons oftheAES?
AESoffers a 24-7 enforcementopportunity, provided it is set upproperly and there is good acceptance by all. At the same time, iteliminates discretion and corruption. It has the potential of reducingabout 30%to 40%of speed-relatedand red light-running "Killed andSeriously Injured" (KSI)cases(around 2000 less KSI)per year.The key success factor is in thedetails, particularly on parametersettings and engagement with the
Eye on offenders: AES camerascan help capture errant motorists.
public. The public should look at itfrom the public safety point of viewrather than revenue generation.
> Is there an alternative anddifferent system that is comparable and just as effective? If so- what and how does it work?
Traffic calming like speed controldevices such as humps, rumblestrips, speed tables, super elevations, and delineation have alsobeen used. However, they are onlyappropriate under certain conditions. In addressing speed-relatedand red light-running cases, theAESwould be the best option.
> Why do you think there is somuch objection and resistance onthe AESif the objective is to savelives and that those who do notcommit traffic offences do notneed to pay?
First, it has been politicised andthe general election is coming near.Second, the parameter settingswere not done properly.
Third, the public have not beenproperly informed. Fourth, therehave been many spinners with the
wrong knowledge and information,for example that AESis saman ekor- which is not the case. Fifth, it isperceived as being subcontractedto a private company. Somehow,it is not promoted as a life-savinginitiative. Hence, there is a need toget it right.
> How surprised are you at theresistance to the AES?
Not surprised. This is the normalcycle and has also been experienced by other countries.
> What should or could be doneto gain public confidence andacceptance of the AES?
Site verification must be carriedout. What is on the map must be onthe ground. Collision mechanismsand road user movements (RUM)must be attributable to speed-related and red light-running crashes.We need the RUMand collisiondiagrams to verify this.
Parameter settings must be carried out. Among the parametersettings for red light cameras arephasing, timing, inter green, dilemma zones, viability, layout configu-
rations, lane balance, trapped lanesand others. All of these must beproperly set first, before the camerais installed. This is to ensure thatred-light running is not due topoor design of the intersection. Forexample, we can't blame the roaduser for beating the traffic light dueto frustration (waiting for morethan three cycles of red light).
For speed cameras, the parameter setting would be speed consistency within a 5km section,speed change, approach speed,85th percentile speed, and designspeed, among others. If more than15%are caught overspeeding, itindicates that the posted speeds arenot appropriate. Signage is important, too. Finally, outcomes of theAESin saving lives must be communicated.
> What is the best way toreduce accidents, fatalities andmishaps?
Many interventions but each onedepends on the (individual) crashcharacteristics.
> Would harsher penaltieshelp?
Yes, for drivers abusing the system and endangering others.
> People complain that theroads are bad, narrow and full ofpotholes; there are not enoughmotorbike lanes; people doublepark everywhere; some reversetheir cars even on a highway;they talk on the mobile phoneor SMS while driving. They saythe AESwon't make a difference because it is NOTa holisticapproach to addressing the problem because poor roads and baddriving remains. What is yourcomment?
Yes, we are implementing comprehensive interventions. TheAESis just one of the high-impactinterventions.
> Generally, how would you
describe Malaysian drivers?I think we are still producing
incompetent and unsafe drivers onthe road. We need to improve ourdriver training, educate children inschool (on road safety) and educateerrant users via enforcement.
> What do you think of calls forthe speed limits to be reviewedupwards, on the grounds that thespeed limits were set years agoand that cars and highways aremuch better these days?
We will kill more people on ourroads. Crazy idea.
> Why was the AESprivC\tised? People think thaUheGovernment should be the one tobuy and enforce the system. Whynot buy the equipment but paya service contractor to maintainthe system?
It is not privatisation but ratherPPP (public-private partnership).The process owner is still JPJ(RoadTransport Department). Instead ofJPJ buying, installing, and managing the equipment, it is outsourcedto a private company. The company is supposed to install, maintainand help process the summons forJPJ,but JPJ will still be responsiblefor the whole process. The company is just handling part of theprocess.
The current model is to buy theequipment (with money from thegovernment) to operate and maintain. That's business as usual andthe detection rate is low. Hence,abuse is high. The issue is not this.The issue is the missed detection ofoffenders, hence killing many. So,why must we protect the offenders? Having said that, however, theparameter settings must be right,as I have said earlier.
> This interview was conducted
before the Selangor state government announced its dedsion to block
the implementation of the AES.
