Panama Will Install Traffic Monitoring System - Will Issue Fines For Speeding And Running Red Lights
For 10 years, the company Traffic Safety de Panama, SA will be responsible for the application of three types of infractions against the Traffic Regulations committed by drivers. The company will impose fines against anyone caught running a red light, speeding, or obstructing traffic. On 8 August 2011 the company was awarded a contract by the Land Transit and Transportation Authority (ATTT) worth $3 million dollars. According to Article 241 of the Traffic Regulations, the obstruction of traffic and driving with speed exceeding the limit, are infractions carrying a $50 dollar fine. The fine for running a red light is $100 dollars. Manuel Salgado, head of IT at the ATTT said these violations will be detected using video cameras that will initially be installed at the 20 busiest intersections in the country. The first cameras will be installed on Avenida Balboa, Calle 50, in San Miguelito, on Transístmica and Via España. In the interior of the country, away from the capital city, the cameras will be installed in the towns with the most traffic.
Violators Will Be Identified - According to Salgado, the video cameras will be able to identify the license plate number of vehicles. This information will enable the company to issue the sanctions, and the drivers who have committed the offense will be notified through an as yet undefined mechanism. Email is one of the options, he said, and they intend to inform the drivers to keep the fines from going into contempt.
ATTT Will Collect The Fines - The sanctions established using the video cameras will be collected by the ATTT, however the company Traffic Safety de Panama SA will charge a percentage that has not been established. Following the endorsement of the Comptroller General of the Republic, the company will have 180 days to install the cameras at the established sites. (El Siglo)
Editor's Comment: A lot of countries are going to these things. I've seen ones that have a large sign saying "the speed limit is 50 mph" and then under that there's your speed clocked by an automatic radar gun, and "your speed is..." If it goes over a present level, it turns red and a message pops up saying "you've been fined." Have a nice day...
