THE use of drones to monitor traffic offences has proven to be more effective for enforcement, said Negri Sembilan Road Transport Department (RTD) director Hanif Yusabra Yusuf. 

He said two drones were used by the RTD during the 2022 Hari Raya Aidilfitri Operation (Op HRA) and a total of 30 offences were recorded, mostly for using the emergency lane, traffic light violations and overtaking.

“The focus locations are on expressways and main roads in the state to detect traffic offences committed by motorists,” he said at a press conference on the 2022 Op HRA in Seremban today. 

He said following the effectiveness of the drones in monitoring traffic offences, the Negri Sembilan RTD plans to get five more drones, as well as expand drone use in other operations.

The department will also discuss with the Malaysian RTD Academy to send more personnel to undergo training on the handling of drones, he added.

Meanwhile, he said, the state RTD had issued 316 summonses for various offences during the Op HRA, with most of them for over-taking 149 cases, violating traffic lights (92) and driving on emergency lanes (32). 

Apart from that, he said a total of 2,010 vehicles were inspected and action was taken against 610 vehicles for various offences. 

Hanif Yusabra said during the operation, RTD personnel in civilian clothing, disguised themselves as bus passengers to detect offences committed by express bus drivers. 

They boarded 18 buses, where the drivers of two of them were taken action for using their handphones while driving and another for dangerous driving, he added. – Bernama, May 9, 2022.