Violation of traffic laws; penalty by artificial intelligence cameras to start from April

Friday 31 March, 2023 | 1:26 AM READ MALAYALAM VERSION

261 crore is targeted

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The penalty collection for traffic violations, detected through 1,000 new hi-tech cameras including the 726 artificial intelligence cameras installed on roads in the state, will start next month. As of now, they are being run on an experimental basis. Although the Motor Vehicle Department claims that these are for public safety, they are also hoping to earn good revenue by imposing fines.

According to the report prepared earlier by the Motor Vehicles Department, the target for the first year is 261.1 crores. Built-in smart cameras will generate the most revenue when they work day and night. The cameras were installed at a cost of 236 crores. The revenue generated through fines in the first year alone will be more than this. The number of fines is expected to decrease steadily in the following years. According to the report, the government will still get a profit of at least 188 crores by the end of five years.

Cameras will be redeployed as the danger zones (black spots) change. So, avoiding the cameras on a regular basis by knowing the installation spots will not be possible.

Mobile units coming soon

Solar-powered mobile camera units will also hit the roads soon. These are 3D Doppler cameras that rotate 97 degrees and monitor vehicles.

Officers have targets for petty case

The police station officers are instructed by higher officials to register atleast 500 to 1500 cases per month through vehicle inspection and impose fines. Even if an average fine of Rs 1000 is imposed, more than Rs 10 lakhs can be juiced from vehicle owners.

If the target is not met, the station officer will suffer the wrath of their superiors. Incidents like the death of Manoharan, a resident of Tripunithura, who collapsed and died after the assault of an SI happens because of such vehicle inspections. Although the DGP has suggested that only those in the rank of SI should signal a vehicle, CPOs and Home Guards will always be present.