AwAS camera system enhanced, switching from static methods
The implementation of the Automatic Awareness Safety System (AwAS) cameras will be improved by adopting a point-to-point method instead of the previously employed static method, according to Astro Awani.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that this new approach will allow for more comprehensive monitoring of vehicle speeds by measuring the average speed of vehicles between two camera points based on the distance and travel time.
He noted that the current implementation of AwAS cameras, which are installed at a single static location, has not effectively achieved the objective of reducing vehicle speeds and thus lowering the risk of accidents.
“What we want to adopt in this new approach is that we already have new technology; we will look at the two checkpoint points.
“We do not want drivers to slow down only in front of the camera, but to maintain a slow speed over a certain distance.
“Let’s say between Point A and Point B, we want to know how long drivers take to travel that distance.
“If they take less than the appropriate time, it means they are speeding and will face penalties (fines),” he said at a press conference here on Monday.
As a starting point, he said this implementation will be carried out in hazardous and high-risk areas, such as the hilly regions on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway (KLK) in Genting Sempah and the Menora Tunnel in Ipoh.
“Our objective is to ensure that vehicles, especially buses, slow down so that drivers do not accelerate while descending hills.
“The current method is less effective; even though we install cameras, vehicles only slow down at that location and then speed up again,” he said.
He expressed hope that, through the enhancement of the AwAS system with the point-to-point mechanism, there would be a reduction in road accident rates and an increase in awareness and discipline among drivers nationwide.
