Abstract

Oman is one of the GCC countries that has the highest road fatality rates. Using data obtained from the Royal Oman Police (ROP), it was found that speeding is the primary cause of more than 50% of the fatal crashes within the country. Additionally, in 2014, there was a rate of approximately 5 speeding fines for each registered car and approximately 4.8 speeding fines for each driving licence. Speed cameras in Oman have been extensively used during the last decade. It appears that the speed camera program has not, as yet had a significant effect on road safety as it was originally anticipated. The purpose of this research was to examine the current program and provide opportunities for improvement. The project utilises two methodological frameworks; benchmarking process, and Nedlar and Tushman’s Congruence Model of organizational behaviour. The key research approach was qualitative (along with document review) interviews of approximately 20 operating personnel within and relevant to the program. Officers from three managerial levels were interviewed; comprising of executive management, middle management and operational personnel. Overall the benchmarking method was used to compare the international best practice of speed camera program with the Oman speed camera operations while the congruence model was used to identify the internal gaps and inconsistencies within the speed camera operations. The results revealed that there is a lack of deterrence effect in terms of severity and celerity of punishment in Oman Traffic Regulations. In addition, 75 percent of speed cameras are deployed overtly and there is no use of point-to-point system. Speed camera goals, strategies and operations are not written or clearly communicated among the three managerial levels.