Govt has not installed new AwAS cameras

NO new Awareness Safety System (AwAS) cameras have been installed currently by the government using its allocations, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

He said as of March 1, about 45 cameras were in operation – 29 for speed limit regulation with the rest being used for traffic light regulation in peninsular Malaysia.

“All the AwAS cameras were installed under the previous contract. The cost of installation for the cameras was borne by the two companies.

“However, the detailed breakdown cost of the installations were not stated,” he said in reply to Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar (GPS-Santubong) who asked whether the government intends to install more AwAS cameras and the cost involved.

Loke, however, said the estimated installation cost, excluding maintenance of one camera, is between RM200,000 and RM250,000.

This includes the electric cable, infrastructure, camera and ground work costs.

“At this time, the government has not installed any new cameras using government funds.

“As such, there is no price comparison,” he added.

Loke said the AwAS system was among the initiatives by the government to use technology to tackle the issue of road accidents by increasing the driver’s perception of being caught.

It is also an educational and enforcement tool, he added.

Loke said the AwAS enforcement system was not meant to trap anyone, but to educate motorists so they adhere to the road rules especially in accident-prone areas.

“In areas where AwAS is enforced, there are ample signboards of the system at the distance of 3km, 2km and 1km before the location of the actual camera.

“These signboards are to inform roadusers that the system is in force and not to trap or catch drivers off guard,” he said.

Loke said under the AwAS system, about 90,000 summonses were issued but the number of those who settled their summons was still low.

“We will issue the summons and drivers must be responsible to settle the payments,” he said.