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MORE than 60 motorists were caught running red lights daily last year.
Many road intersections are fitted with still cameras that are old and whose reliability and effectiveness are questionable. I have seen many of them malfunctioning (snapping away when the green light is on) or not working when an errant motorist crossed the line.
There have been many cases in the United States and Europe where the courts decided for motorists due to unreliability of equipment.
To be fair to motorists, could the Traffic Police and Land Transport Authority (LTA) consider the following suggestions?
Install a counter to indicate the amount of green time remaining.
Check regularly that the amber-light period is sufficient for the length of the intersection.
Use video cameras instead of still ones to record a more comprehensive footage which may reveal extenuating circumstances when a motorist beats the red light.
In correspondence with LTA I have been advised that at all intersections there is a three-second 'all red' period to prevent a green light coming on sooner. For the motorist who may not have time to stop due to traffic conditions there should be a grace period (of less than three seconds) before the camera snaps.
Prior to confirming an offence, the Traffic Police should ensure that these sophisticated electronic equipment have been maintained to the required standard of accuracy.
Driving should be made more pleasurable and less stressful, especially with the 12 demerit points hanging over the motorist who may have unintentionally beaten the red light under difficult traffic conditions.
Wong Bheet Huan
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