AI speed detection trials on highways to begin in June
NST
The Automated Awareness Safety System (AwAS) cameras installed with enhancements to the existing system are in line with the latest technological advancements, utilizing Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. - NSTP/MOHD FADLI HAMZAH
KUALA LUMPUR: A point-to-point method integrated into the Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) to measure travel time and distance for detecting speed limit violations is expected to begin pilot testing by June.
Utilising artificial intelligence (AI), the pilot project, intended to replace the static method currently in use, will monitor two highway routes; from the Genting Sempah tunnel to the Gombak Rest Stop and from Senawang Toll Plaza to Simpang Ampat Toll Plaza (Alor Gajah).
Additionally, the system will be installed at accident-prone locations over longer stretches, such as from the Menora Tunnel to the Sungai Perak Rest Stop.
Transport Ministry secretary-general Datuk Jana Santhiran Muniayan told Berita Harian that speed violators could be detected at toll plazas if they arrive earlier than the estimated travel time.
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He added that a company has been appointed to conduct the proof-of-concept process for the system without any financial impact on the government.
"This project will be piloted at two highway locations, and if proven efficient, we are ready to fully implement it.
"The system, installed at toll plazas, will record travel time based on distance.
"For example, if a driver travelling from Jalan Duta, Kuala Lumpur, to Tanjung Malim, Perak, arrives earlier than the estimated time, their vehicle's licence plate will be detected, and a summons will be issued automatically," he said.
Jana Santhiran explained that the AI-powered system can detect whether a driver has stopped at any location to extend their travel time in an attempt to evade detection.
"This means drivers cannot escape being detected if they exceed the speed limit, as the system measures both distance and time," he added.
In January, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that the AWAS camera system would be enhanced with a point-to-point method, replacing the previous static system.
The system allows for more comprehensive vehicle speed monitoring by measuring the average speed between two designated points, based on travel distance and time.
Loke said the current AWAS camera system, which is placed in a fixed location, has not effectively reduced vehicle speed or minimised accident risks.
"We don't want drivers to slow down only in front of the cameras. The current method is less effective, vehicles slow down at the camera's location but speed up again afterwards.
"We want vehicles to maintain lower speeds over a specific stretch. For example, between point A and point B, we want to measure how long a driver takes to complete the journey. If they arrive in less time than expected, it means they were speeding and will be penalised," Loke said.
He hopes that upgrading the AWAS system with a point-to-point mechanism would help reduce road accident rates while enhancing driver awareness and discipline nationwide.
Meanwhile, Jana Santhiran said that for the upcoming festive season, the ministry has taken proactive measures, including deploying the Road Transport Department (RTD) and the police on highways to enhance their visibility.
"With this approach, road users' compliance with traffic laws can be improved as they will always see the presence of enforcement officers.
"In addition, the RTD will carry out special undercover operations on buses. In previous similar efforts, we detected bus drivers watching movies and even livestreaming on social media while driving.
"We are also prohibiting lorries from using highways during the festive season, except for those transporting essential goods such as petroleum, food, perishable agricultural products, emergency supplies, and industrial cargo to and from airports or ports," he said.
He added that during the same approach implemented for Chinese New Year in January, there was a 10 per cent reduction in accidents and a 44 per cent decrease in fatalities compared to the same period the previous year.
He said that for this year's Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, the ministry aims to reduce road accidents by 60 per cent.
Jana Santhiran also spoke about the effectiveness of AWAS cameras at the Menora Tunnel, which has significantly reduced accidents.
"Between 2021 and May last year, there were 458 accidents and nine fatalities recorded on the northbound stretch of the Menora Tunnel. After the cameras were installed on June 12, 2024, only three accidents were recorded in six months, with no fatalities.
"Similarly, on the southbound stretch, there were 487 accidents with six fatalities from 2021 to May 2024.
However, after the cameras were installed, only six accidents were recorded, with no loss of life," he said.
