Cops: Use navigation apps responsibly

PETALING JAYA: Despite alerting users to the locations of police and their speed traps, traffic and navigation apps have not hindered enforcement against speed fiends.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director Senior Asst Comm Sharul Othman Mansor said the popularity and widespread use of Waze and Google Maps had not stopped his men from using their radar guns or speed cameras on those exceeding the speed limit.

“We are aware road users are using global positioning applications for various functions, including to indicate where traffic police could possibly be located.

“But this has not affected police operations, including traffic roadblocks,” he added.

SAC Sharul said the issuing of summonses during routine traffic enforcement operations have gone on without a hitch.

He reminded road users to use these apps responsibly and follow traffic laws.

“If you don’t break the law, you have nothing to fear,” he said, adding that the speed limit was there to save lives.

In all of Asia, Malaysia has the highest number of Waze users, with 2.5 million in Kuala Lumpur contributing nearly 1.2 million alerts such as accidents and potholes per month.

Drivers also use the app to collectively drive more than 288 million kilometres per month.

Besides alerting motorists to the presence of traffic police, the Google-owned Waze app also provided a heads up to all Automated Enforcement System cameras.

Motorist Khairul Anuar Mohammed, who travels regularly to the east coast, said he relied on the app to inform him of the different speed limits throughout his journey.

He said the app also provided crucial information like the traffic situation ahead, road hazards and stalled cars.

“It is very helpful and at the same time reminds me to keep to the speed limit,” said the salesman.

Samuel Kanagaratnam claimed these apps could be misused by speed fiends, with some even having devices to avoid being detected by radar guns and speed cameras.

Google and Waze officials could not be reached for comment.