Red-light cameras to be activated to detect speeding from Apr 1
Locations that are more accident-prone or violation-prone will be prioritised for the activation.
A red-light camera deployed along Jurong West Street 61 on Feb 22, 2024. It is used to detect vehicles that commit red-light running offences. (Photo: CNA/Eugene Goh)
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SINGAPORE: The speed enforcement function in red-light cameras across Singapore will be "progressively and dynamically" activated from Monday (Apr 1).
Locations that are more accident-prone or violation-prone will be prioritised for the activation.
Red-light cameras, which are deployed at selected road junctions, are used to detect vehicles that commit red-light running offences.
They are prominently painted in orange and white. Warning signs with speed limits are also placed before traffic camera enforcement zones.
As of last December, a total of 252 red-light cameras were deployed across the country.
The activation of the speed enforcement function "to improve motorist behaviour" comes as the number of speeding-related fatal accidents increased by 83.3 per cent in 2023 compared to 2022, the police said on Saturday.
The proportion of fatal accidents due to speeding also increased to 25.2 per cent in 2023 from 17.3 per cent in 2022.
The police cited speeding violations as another reason for the function's activation.
The number of speeding violations detected by traffic enforcement cameras decreased by 28.6 per cent from 73,152 cases in 2022 to 52,237 cases in 2023.
However, the number of speeding violations detected by police enforcement operations increased by 22 per cent, from 52,016 cases in 2022 to 63,468 cases in 2023.
"This shows that while traffic enforcement cameras are effective in deterring speeding violations, motorists still choose to speed at locations where they think no one is watching," said the police.
The Traffic Police (TP) also urged motorists not to speed, even in areas where there are no static speed cameras, adding that they will "take enforcement action against errant motorists who choose to flout traffic rules, including speeding".
In light of the increase in number of accidents and fatalities, TP "will take a tougher enforcement stance against irresponsible road users".
The composition sums and demerit points for certain traffic offences will be increased to serve as a stronger deterrence against errant drivers, the police said in February. More details will be announced later this year.
"Motorists who choose to flout the law may also lose their right to drive, as we may suspend or revoke their licence," the police then said.
Errant motorists who break traffic rules and regulations, including those that run red lights, speed or drive drunk, may be prosecuted in court.
For accidents that cause grievous hurt or death, they may face imprisonment and driving disqualification.