The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has announced significant reductions in traffic accidents in areas monitored by automated traffic enforcement cameras over the past five years. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 29 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency has announced significant reductions in traffic accidents in areas monitored by automated traffic enforcement cameras over the past five years.
This data underscores the effectiveness of these cameras in improving road safety within the city.
An analysis of traffic incidents at 105 locations equipped with unmanned enforcement cameras in 2020 revealed a significant 18.6% decline in accidents.
Further studies in subsequent years continued to show positive trends, with a 6.5% decrease in 2021 3.2% decrease in 2022.
When it comes to fatalities resulting from traffic accidents, the numbers also showed improvement following the installation of these cameras.
Although there was a slight increase in fatalities by two in 2020, the following years saw a decrease, with three fewer deaths in 2021 and seven fewer in 2022.
Based on these encouraging outcomes, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, in consultation with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, plans to allocate 2.3 billion won this year for the installation of over 66 new automated traffic enforcement cameras at key locations predicted to benefit most from such preventive measures.
As of the end of last year, the agency reported operating 2,038 automated enforcement cameras, including 19 mobile units, across the city.
Additionally, the police have secured funding to install 31 rear-facing enforcement devices specifically designed to prevent accidents involving motorcycles, which are particularly vulnerable on the roads.
In a broader initiative to ensure pedestrian safety, particularly for children, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency is also working with the city government to improve walking routes to 20 elementary schools that currently lack sidewalks within designated child safety zones and are prone to accidents.
Moreover, efforts to alleviate chronic vehicular congestion will include optimizing traffic signal operations at notorious bottleneck locations and installing 58 yellow no-parking zones at major intersections.
These comprehensive measures represent Seoul’s commitment to leveraging technology and infrastructure improvements to enhance road safety for all residents.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
