SEPANG: The Transport Ministry will speak to police and local authorities about doing away with discounts on traffic summonses, said its minister Anthony Loke.
He pointed out that the Road Transport Department (JPJ), under his ministry, had already stopped the practice.
“Moving forward, there must be a similar policy and consistency. I will convey this message to the police and local authorities,” he told reporters after launching the integrated operations and road safety campaign for Chinese New Year at the Dengkil Rest and Recreational Area yesterday.
Halting the practice of giving discounts would compel road users to abide by traffic rules and reduce accidents, he said.
“The reason why we do not want to give any more discounts is so that we don’t send the wrong message.
“If there is a discount, they will not be bothered if penalised for their offences,” he said.
He noted that JPJ had issued 90,000 Automated Enforcement System (AES) summonses since Sept 1 last year, of which 10,000 offenders had settled their dues.
Earlier in his speech, Loke said he was aware of the criticism he had received on social media over his decision to stop JPJ from giving discounts on summonses.
“I don’t care if people get angry with me or say that we are cruel.
“I will be firm in my decision, and have told JPJ not to give any more discounts,” he said.
He said some 15,000 enforcement and highway personnel would be mobilised to keep an eye on motorists during the campaign period from Jan 29 until Feb 12.
Based on statistics, he said, there was 21,041 road accidents during the campaign period last year compared to 20,752 accidents recorded in 2017.
Of this, he said, a total of 226 fatalities were recorded during the same period last year, which is a reduction of 31 cases compared to 257 fatalities in 2017.
“In my view, 226 deaths during the two-week campaign period is still very high, and I hope all parties including road users make the effort to reduce this figure,” he said.
Apart from enforcement operations, Loke said the speed limit for state and federal roads would be reduced by 10kph during the campaign period to 70kph and 80kph respectively.
He also said that all road works along the highway, federal and state roads would be stopped during the period.
Heavy commercial vehicles would also be prohibited from using the highways between Feb 2 and 4 as well as between Feb 9 and 10.