Road cameras are not new at KAUST. Speed cameras are.
KAUST is installing speed cameras across roads in the community to enforce the KAUST Road Safety Code. The first cameras are going live on King Abdullah Monument Road this month, with more to follow in the coming months.
Here is why this matters. Every one of us uses KAUST roads, as a driver, a passenger, a rider, or on foot. The same stretch of road carries commuters, school buses, cyclists, e-scooter riders, and children walking home from school. Speed determines whether a moment of inattention ends in a near miss or an ambulance. Most of us have watched a car move through the community much faster than it should. Until now, that driver was usually gone before anyone could do anything about it. That is what changes this month.
Why are we doing this?
Excessive speed dramatically increases the chances that a collision will cause serious injury or a fatality. Our objective is simple: We need to know who is driving unsafely and hold those individuals to account.
What happens when you are caught?
This is an internal KAUST system and is not linked to government speed cameras (Saher system).
Violations recorded by a camera are treated the same way as violations observed by Security. Penalty points are applied under the KAUST Road Safety Code. Accumulate enough points, and you will lose your driving privileges at KAUST.
Egregious violations, such as driving at extreme speeds or underage driving, go further. They are referred for further review beyond the standard penalty point process, which can result in stronger penalties, such as the loss of housing and schooling privileges at KAUST. We have applied those penalties before and will continue to do so. KAUST has no tolerance for extreme speeding or any other form of reckless driving, and that position is backed by university leadership.
Parents and sponsors
Parents are responsible for children who operate vehicles, bicycles, e-scooters, golf carts, or other mobility devices on KAUST roads. This includes making sure helmets are worn and correctly fastened when riding bicycles and e-scooters. Sponsors are also responsible for their dependents and visitors and must ensure they know and follow KAUST road safety rules. If a violation is traced back to inadequate supervision or to an underage driver, the responsible adult is accountable for that decision.
How you can help with Keeping KAUST Safe
Speed limits are maximums, not targets. Slow down and comply with limits. Speak with your family, your visitors, and your colleagues about doing the same. If you see someone driving unsafely, report them here.
If you have questions, contact hse@kaust.edu.sa.
Thank you for looking out for each other on our roads and Keeping KAUST Safe.