Wan Agyl Wan Hassan, founder of transport think tank MY Mobility Vision, said a mandatory court appearance would make offenders realise the gravity of their actions, and serve as a stronger deterrent.
“Being able to pay up without appearing in court relegates beating the red light to a minor inconvenience rather than a serious violation,” he told FMT.
“Offenders should have to face the consequences directly. Requiring them to appear in court could make them realise the seriousness of their actions,” he added.
Wan Agyl said the 95,298 summonses issued to motorists for running red lights between January and November last year was proof that the current measures are ineffective.
Of those 44,889 were issued to car drivers, 39,468 to motorcyclists, 3,937 to lorry drivers and 7,004 to others.
The former official of the now-defunct Land Public Transport Commission also called for more severe penalties for repeat offenders.
He said that for most, fines of between RM300 and RM2,000 were just a slap on the wrist.
Those who habitually beat the lights should also have their driving licences suspended and be ordered to perform community service, he said, adding that it would help them better understand the potential consequences of their actions.
“Imagine offenders working on road safety campaigns or helping to maintain public spaces (especially after an accident caused by a road user running a red light).
“They’d get a clearer picture of the consequences of their actions and contribute to the society they endangered in the first place.”
Law Teik Hua of Universiti Putra Malaysia’s road safety research centre suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) surveillance systems be used to automatically detect those running red lights and issue fines on the spot.
Wan Agyl said red light cameras should also be installed at every major intersection, with summonses issued immediately to offenders.
“Automation eliminates bias, ensuring everyone is treated fairly,” he added.
Law said the government should consider introducing jail time for repeat offenders, given how running red lights has led to numerous fatal accidents.
He and Wan Agyl also called for more campaigns to raise awareness regarding the consequences of disobeying traffic lights, particularly by sharing emotional stories that would “hit home harder than any fine”.
“Let road users see what’s at stake, not just for themselves but for others, too. It’s about creating a system where they don’t just obey the rules out of fear, but because they understand why those rules exist.”
Make traffic lights more visible
Wan Agyl said road users tend to cite a lack of visibility and errors in timing as reasons why they run red lights.
“Simple fixes like clearer traffic signal backplates, longer yellow light durations, and synchronised traffic lights could make a big difference,” he said.
He added that AI could be used to adjust traffic light durations in real time, as done in South Korea, thereby reducing both congestion and traffic violations. “It could help ease the frustration that sometimes causes drivers to run red lights,” he said.
Wan Agyl maintained that a balanced approach was required to tackle the road safety issue effectively, involving enforcement, education and rehabilitation.
“By combining stricter enforcement with rehabilitative penalties like community service and smarter traffic management, we can create a system that keeps drivers accountable while making our roads safer.
“It’s about balancing punishment with education and long-term change,” said Wan Agyl.