Why do we need expensive cameras to spot simple traffic offences?

Aliran is in total support of serious measures proposed by various concerned parties to curb the rising number of accidents and deaths on our roads.

We are, however, concerned over the Orwellian proposal by the police to mount cameras at vital points in cities, roads and highways. Although such omnipresent cameras can be used to look out for dangerous drivers and motorcyclists, they can also be open to abuse.

That such technology is in use in China should only warn us of the possibility that certain regimes, which aren't the most democratic, can use such cameras for purposes other than traffic management.

Once we go down that road, it is only a matter of time before we have cameras being used to monitor all other aspects of public life. Such cameras can be transformed into tools of political control to monitor the physical movements of ordinary citizens as well.

A far better approach would be to tackle the problem at source. Look into the whole system of the testing of drivers, vehicle inspection and enforcement. Is there corruption involved? Wipe out corruption and we might just be amazed at the improvement in road safety.

Why are there are so many tail-gaters, queue jumpers, speed demons and traffic-light beaters now seen at well known stretches of roads and junctions? Where are the traffic police when such offences are committed in broad daylight?

Do we really need expensive cameras to spot these offences?


Aliran Executive Committee
15 November 2005

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