Transport ministry: Traffic violations drop with more cameras

The transport ministry on Friday reported there has been a reduction in road violations where traffic cameras have been installed during the April-June 2024 quarter.

It added that the number of traffic camera locations have also been increased.

However, the data shows an upward trend in violations during the Easter holidays and weekends. These violations mainly involve excessive speeding, failure to comply with traffic signals, and other breaches of the Road Traffic Code.

In its statement, the transport ministry urged all road users to exercise greater caution and adhere to traffic regulations.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, police data revealed that road deaths decreased following the introduction of traffic cameras two years prior.

According to the data, an 18 per cent reduction in road deaths was recorded in 2022 compared to the previous year. This downward trend continued last year, with road fatalities decreasing from 37 in 2022 to 34 in 2023, marking the lowest number ever recorded in statistical history.

There are currently 20 mobile and 85 fixed cameras in operation islandwide.

Since the traffic camera system became fully operational, reports citing transport ministry data indicated that around 1,700 drivers are being caught daily for various offenses. Such a high number of violations could become unmanageable in terms of issuing fines.