Traffic Violator & Poor Enforcement

Express buses were required to install speed limiters two years ago according to Transport Ministry guideline. But enforcement was not fully carried out. It is unfortunate that this order has only been re-directed after fatal accidents involving express buses have occurred. Ultimately, everything revolves around enforcement. Speed limiters with poor enforcement are as useless as having no speed limiters to begin with.

Our public transportation system does not lack rules, regulations, standards and gadgets when it comes to safety governance. But why is it that nothing seems to work when serious accidents continue to occur? What we need is a corrupt-free enforcement system that is relentless in its pursuit of violators and a punishment system that is imminent and real. If corruption is rampant, everything is compromised. When enforcement is erratic, no one will respect the rules. Enforcement should be an everyday affair, not just during festivals or holiday seasons. Only relentless enforcement will lead to behavioral change.

I tried before to perform my public duty. I called the telephone numbers (stated on express buses by regulation, I believe) to report reckless express bus drivers plying our highways. What I got was unanswered calls and text messages.

Enforcement must provide real and imminent punishments. Violators must be made to face the consequences within a specific time frame regardless of their status and position. When violators wait for discounts on summonses issued to them, it is a reflection of enforcement having failed. It “devalues” the significance of the summonses issued, rendering them useless as deterrents to bad behavior.