Traffic Offences Tripled After Transport Ministry Cancelled All Unpaid AES Summonses

In a report by New Straits Times, Loke said the system recorded a total of 15,000 cases daily between the dates of 17 to 31 August compared to the previous average of 5,000.

The system records the offences of running red lights and breaking the speed limit.

The "one-off gesture" was made as the Road Transport Department (JPJ) decided to take full control of AES/AwAS operations.

Previously, compounds paid went to two concessionaires.

At the time of the announcement, there was an outstanding amount of RM3.1 million in unpaid summonses, which cost the government a total of RM435 million in lost revenue.

“Our intention is not to punish but to educate and ensure errant drivers are responsible not just for their own safety and lives but also other road users. We know there are irresponsible drivers who run red lights and speed," Loke said in a report by Malay Mail.

“We will strictly enforce this issue with hopes of lowering the number of errant drivers."

Of the 45 cameras, 29 are for speeding offences while the remaining 16 are for running red traffic lights.

In the same press statement, the Transport Ministry also announced that it is in the process of obtaining approval to set up cameras in two more locations. 

Motorists will be informed when they are entering an AwAS zone with signboards placed one, two, and three kilometres away from the camera's spot. 

As for traffic lights, three signboards will be placed along the stretch of 50 metres to one kilometre before the camera.

The full list of camera locations can be downloaded and viewed here.

“Offenders who do not clear their compound payments would be charged in court. If they fail to show up, they will be blacklisted from engaging in any transaction involving the Road Transport Department (JPJ) until the case is cleared,” Loke told The Star.

Loke added that no discounts or exemptions will be given on fines issued after 1 September. 

The number of points deducted depends on the type and degree of the offence committed:
- Not obeying red lights (two points for regular vehicles, four points for buses and goods transport vehicles)
- Exceeding speed limit by one kph to 25 kph (two points for regular vehicles, four points for buses and goods transport vehicles)
- Exceeding speed limit by 25 kph to 40 kph (three points for regular vehicles, five points for buses and goods transport vehicles)
- Exceeding speed limit by 40 kph (four points for regular vehicles, six points for buses and goods transport vehicles)

Traffic offenders who reach their first 20-point deduction will receive a warning. However, the next 20-point deduction will result in a license suspension.

“Under the demerit system we will suspend the license if a driver has too many offences. However, we also want to reward good drivers with unblemished records. If there are no demerits in one year they might receive an insurance discount," said Loke in an article by New Straits Times.

The Ministry will need to hold discussions with the Malaysian Automotive Insurance Association (PIAM) on ways such a mechanism can be implemented.

Loke expects the reward system to be rolled out next year.