WHILE I agree with Tam Yeng Siang on installing speed governors on all buses (The Star, Dec 3), I must point out that it will not do any good if triggering sirens do not attract a penalty.

I remember travelling in a Singapore taxi that was fitted with a device that makes an irritating dinging noise when the driver exceeds the speed limit. The driver simply ignored the noise and continued speeding.

The same thing will happen here if buses are fitted with such a device. The bus drivers will simply ignore the noise.

A better system is the mandatory device fitted on all express buses in Europe, a recorder that keeps track of the speed and the amount of continuous time the vehicle is on the road.

The police have the right to check the recorder disc at any time. If the bus is found to have exceeded the speed limit or the amount of continuous travelling time allowed, a summons will be issued on the spot based on the recorder disc data.

This system has worked well in Europe. Numerous articles have been written praising the systems effectiveness in

preventing accidents involving express buses.

Bus drivers in Europe are always wary about their speed and they ensure they make sufficient rest stops on long-haul trips.

I urge the Government to seriously look into adopting this proven system. More tragedies are bound to happen if we do not put in place strict and effective punishment to deter those bus companies and drivers who blatantly flout the law.

We have had enough of the lackadaisical attitude of such bus companies and drivers towards passenger safety as reflected in the alarming number of tragic accidents involving express buses.

Bus accidents are just the tip of the iceberg. Old rickety lorries spewing thick black smoke are a common sight on the road. One cannot help but wonder how these dilapidated vehicles pass Puspakom checks.

VEGA,
Penang.