KUALA LUMPUR: The importance of regular road regulation enforcement, especially concerning the safety of school children, cannot be overstated, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said on average there are 67 road deaths every year in school zones.
"The speed limit at school zones will soon be lowered to 30 kph from the current 40 kph.
"The announcement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi of plans to introduce new rules to impose further speed limits in school zones and add additional speed breakers is a commendable step," he said in a statement on Wednesday (July 17).
However, Lee lamented that the effectiveness of this regulation hinges on strict and consistent enforcement.
"We can have a plethora of rules and regulations in the statute books, but they don’t serve any purpose if there is no strict enforcement of their provisions.
"The primary role of law enforcement is to deter potential violators," he said.
He said regular and visible speed limit enforcement near schools sends a clear message to drivers that the authorities are serious about road safety.
"Consistent enforcement leads to a cultural shift in how road users perceive traffic laws.
"When drivers know that there is a high probability of being caught and penalised for speeding near schools, they are more likely to adhere to speed limits," he added.
Lee said while the benefits of strict enforcement are clear, several challenges must be addressed to achieve results.
"We must ensure law enforcers are well equipped and can act with integrity.
"Along with enforcement, there needs to be a parallel effort to educate the public about the importance of adhering to speed limits near schools," he said.
In short, he said, it is essential that the authorities allocate sufficient resources, engage in public education, and integrate technological solutions to create a robust enforcement mechanism.
"Ultimately, the safety of our school children should be a top priority.
"This is not just a legal necessity but a reflection of our collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable members of our society," he stressed.
