Traffic cameras in HCM City catch more than 4,000 in act
HCM CITY — Cameras have caught 4,208 traffic violators since being posted at roundabouts and intersections around HCM City on September 10, with motorcyclists accounting for 81 per cent of the total.
Police said 46 per cent of violations involve wrong way travelling along one-way streets. Other violations include speeding, running red lights and overloading motorbikes with passengers or cargo.
"Violators of traffic regulations must be fined heavily and vehicles must be temporarily seized," said Nguyen Van Dua, Deputy Chairman of HCM City’s People’s Committee.
Offenders received pictures of the violations at their homes; violators have paid 27.5 per cent of the fines issued, ranging from VND50,000 to 100,000. "This shows the initial success of the city’s new plan to reduce traffic violations," Dua said at a meeting on Tuesday in which he reviewed the one-month use of traffic cameras in the city.
To step up the fight against traffic violations further, Dua urged traffic police and cameramen to regularly patrol small streets, one way streets and areas with new traffic re-direction plans.
He said raising traffic safety and awareness of regulations, while encouraging people to observe traffic rules, is key to keeping the streets safe.
This week, cameras will be installed in areas where daredevils often organise motorbike races, and on national highway black spots where there are a high number of accidents.
"Fines will also be imposed on pedestrians and cyclists caught violating traffic regulations," Dua said.
The city People’s Committee approved the instalment of 22 new cameras in the city’s intersections. This month, the city will invest VND7.7 billion (US$490,000) to put cameras in operation.
HCM City’s authorities are determined to reduce traffic accidents by 40 per cent this year, using cameras and several other drastic measures.
The city, as well as reducing accidents, aims to cut traffic congestion by 50 per cent in specific areas, and get rid of inner city racing.
"Thanks to law enforcement and increased driver responsibility, the number of accidents dropped by 20 per cent in HCM City last month," said director of the municipal Transport and Public Works, Ha Van Dung.
The National Committee for Traffic Safety reported 74 fewer road accident casualties in September than in August. Nearly 1,200 accidents occurred nation-wide last month, leaving 869 people dead and 963 others injured. — VNS
Comments:
- So in Saigon there is also no preference for one way roads
- What has happened since?
- Why is this not taking place here?
