Evaluation of Automated Enforcement Program in Amman

Abstract

This study aims, in a first attempt, to evaluate the effectiveness of using the Automated Enforcement Program (AEP) to improve traffic safety in Amman, Jordan. The evaluation of the program on crashes and violations was examined based on a “before-and-after” study using the paired t-test at 95 percent confidence level. Twenty one locations including signalized intersections monitored by red light cameras and arterial roads monitored by excessive speed cameras were selected. Nine locations were used to study the effectiveness of the program on violations, and twelve locations were used to determine the effectiveness of the program on frequency and severity of crashes. Data on number and severity of crashes were taken from Jordan Traffic Institution. Among the general findings, it was found that the AEP was generally associated with positive impact on crashes. Crash frequency was significantly reduced by up to 63%. Crash severities were reduced by up to 62.5%. Also, traffic violations were significantly reduced by up to 66%.  Finally, drivers’ opinion and attitude on the program was also analyzed using a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire survey revealed that 35.5% of drivers are unaware of AEP in Amman, 63.9% of drivers don’t know the camera locations, most drivers knew about excessive speed and red light running penalties, most drivers reduce their speed at camera locations, 44.4% of drivers think that the program satisfies its objective in improving traffic safety and 52% of drivers encourage increasing the number of camera devices in Amman.