Cameras can make city roads safer

The introduction of cameras to monitor traffic movement, starting with the major road arteries in Port Moresby, will greatly boost the national programmes promoting road safety.
Not only that, it will serve as a deterrent to drivers who, because of the lack police visibility on busy roads and intersections, belligerently flout traffic rules every day.
The cameras, donated by China, will initially be used during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week in November, and afterwards by the city traffic police unit.
Police and road traffic officers will find that it will make their work easier. Hopefully, the concept will be further developed by the National Capital District Commission and the Government after the Apec leaders are gone.
It will help if Cabinet and City Hall seriously consider investing more money into it so that more traffic cameras are installed around the city.
Later it can be expanded to other major municipalities.
Developed countries rely on traffic cameras to monitor among other things traffic flow and traffic violations. They are easily detected through the use of video surveillance technology.
The technology can also be useful in recording traffic patterns for future planning of roads and outlets out of the city centre.
In the event of a major road accident, police can quickly alert motorists and put in place security measures to ensure the safety of people using the road. They can quickly re-direct traffic and arrange detours to avoid traffic congestion, especially during peak hours.
Police can also monitor the movement of criminals in the event of an armed robbery.
China has already donated the 200 Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras and can be requested to provide more and offer expertise in the training of local road traffic authorities to develop the programme.
Road transport authorities and police will find the technology a useful tool in the management of the road system and the movement of traffic at any time.
The technology if properly used and maintained can also serve as a deterrent to reckless and dangerous drivers, who will be aware that they are being watched.
Those who often run the red lights when no police officer is in sight will think twice now.
Those who often imagine they are taking part in a grand prix on our roads will also think twice about driving over the speed limit.
For now, the traffic cameras are being installed on the routes which the Apec leaders will use in November – from the airport, over the Kumul Flyover, Sir John Guise Drive, Waigani Drive, International Convention Centre, Wards Drive to Hilton Hotel in Hohola, Poreporena Freeway to downtown Port Moresby and to Apec House.
But the more roads covered the better it is for ensuring safety on our roads, something we often ignore and only talk about when there is a big road accident.
Traffic cameras are a useful companion for those monitoring the use of our roads. The key however is to ensure the traffic camera system is well maintained and functional at all times. There is no point in installing them if they are not used.