Introduce Lane Discipline Plate Recognition Now For Road Safety

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A recent statement by the transport ministry’s secretary-general, reported by various media outlets last week, regarding stricter road enforcement is both timely and necessary.
Given the alarming rise in fatal road accidents involving lorries over the past several months, the call for stricter regulations could not have come at a better time.
One of the more welcome measures involves the restriction on commercial vehicles using the right or third lane on highways. Many road users have long supported this rule, as heavy vehicles in these lanes pose a significant risk to other motorists.
In addition, the ministry is considering several other crucial measures:
mandatory installation of speed control devices and GPS tracking for commercial vehicles;high-speed weigh-in-motion detectors at 11 highway locations to monitor overloaded lorries; andadditional AES cameras to improve enforcement.No heavy vehicles on the third lane
Technology must be leveraged to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers comply with these rules.
Thailand, for instance, has enforced strict lane regulations for its commercial vehicles for years. Heavy vehicles are only allowed in the first lane at 80 km/h, with overtaking permitted in the second lane at a maximum speed of 90 km/h.
The third lane is strictly reserved for cars, while the fourth lane, where available, is also designated for cars, allowing them to overtake at speeds of up to 120 km/h.
Thailand’s department of highways, which comes under the purview of its transport ministry, enforces these rules rigorously.
Enforcement is carried out using high-power cameras that capture electronic number plates, which have been made mandatory for all vehicles.
ANPR
Automated number plate recognition (ANPR) has proven to be highly effective in Thailand, and Malaysia should follow suit.
Currently, ANPR is only available for electric vehicles at an affordable price of RM98, which includes an embedded RFID chip.
The government should consider making ANPR mandatory for all commercial vehicles within a year and gradually introduce it for private vehicles — immediately for new vehicles and within two years for existing ones.
With ANPR and high-powered cameras at strategic locations, enforcement and penalty issuance would become far more efficient, ensuring that traffic offenders are held accountable.
Enforcing lane restrictions using technology
Although restrictions on the third and fourth lanes for commercial vehicles were said to have been introduced in Malaysia in 2015, they were never enforced. Authorities have cited the difficulty of carrying out enforcement on highways, where roadblocks are impractical and would disrupt traffic flow.
However, with today’s advanced technology, enforcement agencies have no excuse. The latest tools and systems must be utilised to ensure compliance.
Regular road users should be made aware of these enforcement methods, and repeat offenders must face stricter penalties under existing laws.
No discounts on traffic summons
Another crucial step toward stricter enforcement is ensuring that traffic fines are not discounted. Authorities should maintain the original fine amounts and introduce penalties for delayed payments instead.
In the UK, traffic offenders are required to settle their fines within a week. Unpaid fines double within 30 days, and continued non-payment can lead to heavier fines and even imprisonment.
Malaysia should implement a similar system to deter reckless driving and reduce road accidents.
The message should be clear: “No offence, no fine.” On the other hand, if an offence is committed and captured on camera, the fine must be paid immediately, without exception.
Safer roads
Safer roads and highways should become the common aim for all, and implementing these measures is a first step towards achieving this goal.
The transport ministry’s commitment to stricter enforcement, coupled with the latest technology, can significantly reduce accidents and instill greater discipline among Malaysian motorists.
The authorities must act decisively now to ensure the effective enforcement of traffic rules. - FMT
The author can be reached at: [email protected]
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.

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