THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The traffic violation challans started reaching violators in the capital city after the government cleared the three instalments pending to Keltron, for the operation of AI cameras. Many traffic violators received messages on their phones while others started paying their fines.

Earlier, Keltron brought in conditions for issuing fines as the government failed to pay the dues. From 100 violations found, only 10-25 were fined. Keltron employees record the fine and send a notice to the RC owner. Most of the contract workers hired by Keltron had been withdrawn after the government delayed payments.

However, the Kerala government started to make amends by September. The payment started coming into Keltron coffers turning the control rooms active again. The cameras are open 24 hours a day and the images of the violators are sent to the control rooms.

The AI ​​traffic camera project, mired in corruption, was implemented on June 5. The corruption case against the Chief Minister's relative is also under consideration by the High Court.

AI traffic cameras are not bereft of blunders as sometimes scooter passengers may receive violation challan for not wearing seat belts. In such a case, the person can approach the RTO with clarification and the penalty will be quashed.

• The cost announced by the government for the project is Rs 232 crore

• 11.79 crores to be paid to Keltron every three months

• Payment is to be made from the fine amount

• Keltron employees in 14 control rooms- 145

• 33,000 challan sent in the first months