Letter of the Day | Are the traffic cameras effective?

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Despite the proliferation of traffic cameras, there is daily and persistent disobedience with impunity of our traffic laws, which has led me to conclude that perhaps these cameras are ineffective in their intended use and purpose.

Traffic cameras are installed at stop lights and at various intersections across the island. Yet, almost daily, especially during peak hours, reckless and unconscionable taxi drivers and private motorists alike use the filter lanes or illegally overtake vehicles to get to the front of moving or stationary traffic, posing a real and present danger for law- abiding motorists, not to mention generating heated anger and unnecessary chaos. In the face of the persistence of this revolving violation, I am left to wonder whether the cameras are working as they should. Are offenders traced via their vehicle licence plates and prosecuted? How is the camera data used to combat traffic disobedience by motor and pedal cyclists?

I am of the view that a major part of the problem of the apparent inefficacy of traffic cameras is their inability to seriously discourage violators adequately. A great many drivers on our roads do not bother to even practise temporary compliance in the range of the cameras. As such, the presence of these cameras only addresses the surface issue of lawbreaking without altering driver behaviour.

Responsible driving and emphasising the benefits of following traffic laws must be of paramount importance in the success of the nation’s modernisation project; even as the State tries not to infringe upon individual privacy rights due to the constant monitoring by traffic cameras.

To seriously combat the aggravating levels of traffic disobedience in Jamaica, a good reset effort would be to revisit the allocation of resources to improve and enhance other road safety measures that have a proven record of success, such as deepening education campaigns, increased police presence on our roads – not simply to monitor traffic, but to issue citations impartially and address violations as they occur – and better road infrastructure and design.

The use of traffic cameras to prevent the cultural disobedience of traffic laws calls for a comprehensive re-evaluation of our approach to road safety. Traffic cameras are not as effective as they should be, and it is time the Government explore additional strategies to foster a safer and more law-abiding driving culture. Clearer signage, greater attention to urban planning, well-marked lanes, and properly timed traffic signals should be included in this reset effort.

EVERTON PRYCE