Despite the federal government’s insistence on implementing it, more protests are pouring in against the Automated Enforcement System (AES), even from parties perceived to be friendly with the BN.

Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) has expressed a strong objection to the implementation of the camera system, saying it is “profit-oriented rather than people-centred”.

NONE Penang-based PCM vice-chief Huan Cheng Guan ( right ) asked how can a system that camouflages itself as a life-saver be  a “money-spinner” for those who reap the profits.

He was referring to ATES Sdn Bhd and Beta Tegap Sdn Bhd, contract winners of AES, which claimed that it cost between RM600 million and RM800 million to install 831 cameras in traffic hot spots nationwide.

The companies are expected to earn about RM700 million annually from the pool of settled summonses issued to errant road users, where each camera will supposedly cost an average of RM722, 000-RM962, 000.

“Is it justified that a system that supposedly saves lives puts undue stress and financial burden on the ordinary rakyat and diverts huge profits into the coffers of the crony companies?” Huan queried.

“This is robbing Peter to pay Paul in broad daylight,” quipped the former state Gerakan vice-chief.

‘Nullify offences under AES’

Huan questioned if cheaper and more effective ways can be explored to tackle the problem of speeding and jumping red lights.

He further asked if it were rational to rake up expenses merely to change people’s mindset about speeding while the monetary benefits go to contract holders.

Huan said the nation’s monetary resources can be put to better and more profitable use, urging the authorities to withdraw the system and nullify the 60,000 traffic offences it has currently identified.

He added that just because it was effective in China and Europe, the system does not guarantee that it will achieve success in Malaysia as each country has different social-economic and demographic make-up.

Meanwhile, Huan proposed more economical preventive measures to curb speeding like construction of conspicuous road signs and greater policing instead of such high-tech equipment which have high start-up and maintenance costs in the future.

Performance factors of the vehicles including the age, performance, horsepower and the driver’s skill differ, hence it would be impossible to implement a flat speed limit for all cars, he added.

“If the government wants to get tough with speed hogs and red light beaters, there has to be a thorough analysis of the system’s design and operations,” said Huan.

“Plans must be reviewed by all quarters from the state to the federal level. Till now, there has been no effort in this direction,” he added.

Instead, Huan noted that there were many incidences where the AES cameras were located at “irrelevant spots instead of traffic hot spots” to help prevent accidents.

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