Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has approved a proposal to usetraffic cameras in many streets in the capital city of Hanoi to makesure car drivers are staying on the right side of the road andobserving all the other rules.

Hanoi Police Director MajorGeneral Nguyen Duc Chung made the proposal at a meeting last week afterthe success of a pilot scheme on roads leading to Hanoi from HaiPhong and Ninh Binh.

Chung said that the move will help curb traffic violations and accidents in the city.

As in many Western nations, police will use photos showing any violations to gain convictions, he said.

Violatorswill see how and when they drove in the wrong lane, he said, addingthat it is expected to quickly raise their awareness of traffic rules.

Violators will receive higher fines if they re-offend, he noted.

ViceChairman of the National Committee for Road Safety Khuat Viet Hungwelcomed the proposal, saying that Hanoi should now install thecameras in major streets and they will track motor vehicles entering andleaving the city.

Senior lieutenant colonel Dao VinhThang, head of Hanoi's Transport Police, said the first cameras hadbeen installed along routes from Phap Van Street in Hanoi to NinhBinh province and from Hanoi to Hai Phong city.

Lastyear, thanks to cameras, police caught 460 violators, mostly coach andtruck drivers, he said, adding that if cameras are installed in everymain street, they will reduce traffic violations.

However,Do Thang, a local resident, wondered how effective the move will be ifit does not target motorbike riders, claiming the move is unfair formotor drivers.

Bui Van Dat, a taxi driver, said he thinksimposing fines on violations is good idea. "However, there should be aclear system of road signs so that drivers know if they are breaking thelaw," he said.

He said motorbike drivers are often in the wrong lane, therefore, the cameras should also target them to be fair to everyone.-VNA