Locations Of The New AWAS Cameras, Its Speed Limit Detection And Other Facts
Table of Contents
The new Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS) speed cameras will begin pilot testing this June through the KL-Karak Expressway and the North-South Expressway. The rollout of the new generation of speed cameras will not only ensure greater road safety but also drive long-term financial advantages for the nation.
These new speed cameras are more than just about the flashing lights and issuing “saman” tickets. They are able to detect number plates from point to point to check speed limit compliance. So no more slowing down when approaching a speed trap and then stepping on the gas right after until the next speed camera!
Financial benefits of Automated Awareness Safety System (AWAS)
From seeing a reduction in medical bills to more affordable car insurance, the long-term financial advantages of Malaysia’s new speed camera are not only substantial for the nation but for individuals as well.
AWAS is designed to reduce the RM25 billion loss of economic value due to road accidents – a very mahal problem!
In 2023, the number of road accidents reached an all-time high of 598,648 since 2019, incurring a RM25 billion loss of economic value for Malaysia. With speeding being consistently identified as a major cause of these incidents, the new AI-enhanced speed cameras will encourage a more accurate and effective approach to monitoring roads, eventually reducing the number of road accidents. These new cameras boost several features that are targeted at accurately capturing the speed of the car:
- 360-degree surveillance: AWAS cameras are able to monitor vehicles from all angles, providing a more comprehensive surveillance
- Automatic number plate recognition: For efficient and accurate identification of vehicles
- Identification of other traffic offences: This includes illegal U-turns and running red lights
- Point-to-point speed detection: Monitors average speed between two points, effectively discouraging the habit of speeding between camera zones
Where will the AWAS cameras be deployed at?
| North-South Expressway (PLUS) | KM 1 in Johor Bahru, KM 151.4 in Pago, KM 299.9 in Kampar |
|---|---|
| LEKAS Highway | KM 21 in both northbound and southbound directions in Negeri Sembilan |
| ELITE Highway | KM 17.2 towards KLIA |
| Urban areas | Intersections like Jalan Klang Lama and Jalan Ipoh in Kuala Lumpur |
Here’s a map layout of the AWAS cameras deployment on the PLUS Highway shared by the Department of Statistics (DOSM) earlier this year.
Financial implications of AWAS for Malaysians
1. Fewer accidents, fewer medical bills
One of the most immediate financial benefits of reduced road accidents is the decrease in medical bills incurred. Serious cases of accidents often require expensive medical services including emergency care, extended hospital stays, surgeries and rehabilitation.
With a much better enforcement of speed limits, accident rates can be expected to fall drastically if we follow the trend set by countries including the UK and Australia. In these countries, the introduction of effective speed limit enforcement led to a 20 – 30% reduction in road fatalities or serious injuries.
If Malaysia witnesses a similar trend, the nation can see fewer people receiving intensive medical treatment, which would lead to the lowering of national health care costs.
For individuals like yourself, it goes without saying that avoiding an accident also means avoiding unexpected hospital bills that are bound to leave a dent in your wallet. That’s more money that you can set aside for emergencies or even go towards investments, savings or perhaps a holiday with your friends and family!
2 Fewer accidents, fewer claims, lower insurance premiums
The cost of your insurance premiums is based on the risk you might incur. The higher the potential of an accident at a particular area or for the driver’s demographic, the higher the premium. But when local governments put out measures like speed cameras to improve road safety, insurance providers might start offering more competitive premiums.
Savings on a national level
1. Reduction in public sector expenditures
Beyond individual level, there are broader macroeconomic gains for the nation. When fewer accidents happen, there is less demand on public services including emergency response teams, hospitals, police, maybe even our favourite Abang Bomba! The reduction in costs of these services can then mean limited resources can be redirected to other more press areas of development.
2. Increased workforce productivity
Road accidents result in long lasting after-effects. They disrupt lives and livelihoods. For working adults, being in an accident would mean missed workdays, long term medical leaves or even reduced mobility. When this happens, it is bound to have a measurable impact on workforce productivity.
3. National budget optimisation
Think about it, if we see a reduction incurred by road accidents, a mere 10% reduction in road accidents is estimated to help save the national economy up to RM800 million in a single year! These funds could then be rechanneled into much higher impact sectors such as digital infrastructure, education or even healthcare innovation, helping the nation boost its broader development goals.
Not just an eye in the sky, but a smart financial move
While the installation of the new speed camera might appear as a surveillance upgrade to take more money from us (if we were to speed), it’s actually a smart financial move at large. By reducing the number of accidents caused by reckless driving and unsafe driving practices, the nation is not only saving lives, but also billions of ringgits.
