Ministry to pilot speed trap cameras in the Kingdom

Ministry to pilot speed trap cameras in the Kingdom

The national Police have announced they will select a location for a pilot  speed trap camera scheme in a bid to reduce road traffic accidents.

The statement was made by Chief General Neth Savoeun after he met with Transport Minister Sun Chanthol at a ceremony marking the handover of 300 speed limit traffic signs to the National Police yesterday.

“We will choose a location in either the capital or Sihanoukville to install the cameras, which will improve traffic law enforcement. The cameras are foolproof, so there can be no criticism over the move,” he said.

“Other countries utilise this technology to reduce speeding, so we should also. Unfortunately, although we have this idea, we are short

of equipment and money,” he added.

Gen Savoeun said the camera locations will be selected and the pilot scheme will begin once authorities have raised the money to install the cameras.

Chanthol said during the meeting that he is committed to finding funding for the speed trap cameras.

He said his ministry is negotiating the cost to place some cameras on national roads.

He said currently, 10 locations along National Road 3 have been selected to potentially place the cameras, with locations also designated on Road 41, Road 31 and Road 33.

“After installation, the cameras will be connected directly to the police system. When the cameras capture errant motorists, a  speeding ticket will be sent straight to the driver’s home,” he said.

“We are committed to the project and are seeking funding to install the cameras as soon as possible to reduce speed traffic accidents,” he said.

Chanthol said in order to send fines accurately, the correct data – including the names and addresses of the recipient – will be required.

The Transport Ministry is now working with the Ministry of Economy and Finance to change vehicle number plates to include a QR code.

He said that over 300,000 vehicles do not have QR codes, making it difficult for authorities to know whether those vehicles are using fake number plates.

“If we make sure all vehicle number plates have QR codes, we will be able to identify the vehicles and drivers correctly,” Chanthol said.

“Changing plates to include a QR code is free. When drivers change their number plate to include a QR code, we can update all names and addresses into the system.”

Institute for Road Safety director Kong Ratanak told Khmer Times yesterday that enforcing traffic law is important to reduce traffic accidents.

He also welcomed the use of speed trap cameras, saying it would reduce collusion between police officers and drivers and force drivers to pay fines legally and directly to the authorities.

“It is a good mechanism. The fact that the speeding ticket will be sent to people’s homes is good. However, it could generate some challenges, such as with vehicle ownership transfers,” he said.

“Nevertheless, I think it is a positive step forward, which I welcome in the quest to reduce road traffic accidents.”

Currently, an estimated five people reportedly die of traffic accidents every day in the Kingdom.

Credited: Khmer Times