‘Watch your back’

> AES cameras to be strategically positioned to better capture images of vehicle number plates

KUALA LUMPUR: All traffic enforcement cameras will be be positioned to capture images of vehicles from the back, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Aziz Kaprawi.

The move will apply to all the Automated Enforcement System (AES) cameras, including the ones that have already been installed.

“The (idea) was mooted by the provider (of the camera system). It is the best approach because it can capture the vehicle registration number better from the back.”

He said the technique is an international standard practice, and had started here since July without motorists being aware of the change.

“Countries that have implemented this system include the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia.”

Abdul Aziz said the new approach aims to nab mainly motorcyclists, who are the most frequent traffic offenders and contributors of accidents.

“It is also to nab commercial vehicle drivers who use small and medium-sized vehicles for business.”

There are currently 21 AES cameras, and seven more will be installed this year.

On June 28, Abdul Aziz announced about 100 more AES cameras will be installed at strategic locations nationwide next year.

It was reported that AES was put back into operation in November last year after it was suspended in 2012.

The authorities have urged all those who had received AES summonses to pay up, failing which they would be blacklisted and further prohibited from renewing their vehicle road tax.

Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said in May that the government was still deciding whether to take traffic offenders to court.

He said more cameras would be installed in the next few years under the Awareness Automated Safety System – a combination of AES and the Kejara demerit system.