THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The motor vehicle department imposed a fine of Rs 21,000 on a driver who carried a water tank and some PVC pipes in his pick-up auto. Hashim, a native of Kazhakoottam, was charged with petty which was higher than the value of the goods carried on the vehicle. MVD's mobile camera unit went behind the pick-up auto to take pictures and later imposed a fine on it. A fine of Rs 20,000 was levied for loading goods on top of the cart and Rs 1000 for breaking the line traffic.

Although fines have not been introduced through AI cameras, MVD has been imposing fines through other camera systems as part of 'Safe Kerala'. MVD imposes fines on poor people who make a living by carrying goods in pick-up autos and others, and on people who give lifts to people requesting them. When Hashim complained about the injustice of being slapped with a huge fine, the MVD reduced the fine to Rs 3000. When 726 AI cameras start collecting fines from May 19t, no one will be able to hit the road for their daily bread. Those in positions of power and those who follow them will drive as they please but won't be penalised.