Why are traffic summonses issued by police not subject to the same enforcement as AwAS fines?

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Police-Issued Traffic Summonses Are Not Enforced Identically to AwAS Fines Due to Jurisdictional Differences

Currently, traffic summonses issued by the police are not subject to the same enforcement mechanisms as fines under the Automated Awareness Safety System (AwAS). This disparity arises because the police operate under the purview of the Home Ministry, a different jurisdiction from the Road Transport Department (RTD) which manages AwAS. Transport Minister Anthony Loke has indicated his intention to discuss this matter with the Home Minister to explore a more unified approach to traffic offence enforcement.
Enforcement Authority Varies by Issuing Agency

The distinction in enforcement stems from which ministry oversees the issuing authority. While the RTD, under the Transport Ministry, manages and enforces AwAS fines, the police, an agency of the Home Ministry, issue their own set of traffic summonses. Minister Loke has explicitly stated he lacks authority over police-issued summonses, highlighting the need for inter-ministerial discussion to align enforcement practices.
Aims to Standardise Enforcement for Deterrence

The objective behind standardising the enforcement of traffic summonses is to create a more significant deterrent effect and instill a "climate of fear" among traffic offenders. This approach aims to encourage greater compliance with road regulations by ensuring that all traffic violations carry consistent and impactful consequences, regardless of the issuing authority.
Low Payment Rates for RTD-Issued Summonses Highlight Enforcement Gaps

Data from the RTD indicates a significant gap in payment for summonses it has issued since taking over the former AES system. Over 90,000 summonses have been issued, yet only approximately 11 per cent have been settled within the stipulated 60-day payment window. This low payment rate underscores the challenges in enforcing these particular summonses effectively, prompting the consideration of more stringent measures.
Potential Consequences for Unpaid Summonses

Failure to settle traffic summonses, regardless of the issuing body, can lead to serious repercussions. These include the potential for arrest warrants to be issued against offenders. Furthermore, unresolved summonses can result in blacklisting within the system, which would prevent individuals from renewing their road tax and driving licences, thereby impacting their ability to legally operate a vehicle.

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Why are traffic summonses issued by police not subject to the same enforcement as AwAS fines?

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