Thiruvananthapuram: The Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled cameras in Kerala has detected a staggering 28,891 traffic violations on its inaugural day! The state-wide surveillance cameras, which went live on June 5, successfully captured numerous offenders between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm.
Notably, the District with the highest number of violators caught on camera was Kollam, with a whopping 4,774 individuals. Thiruvananthapuram followed closely behind with 4,362 violations, while other Districts like Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, and Kottayam also reported significant numbers of traffic offences.
The initial violators recorded by the surveillance cameras included three individuals in Thiruvananthapuram city, who were spotted riding motorbikes without helmets and travelling in a car without seat belts. However, the total number of offences detected on the first day was considerably lower than the figure recorded on June 3, when a staggering 193,000 traffic violations were identified.
Transport Minister Antony Raju expressed optimism about the decrease in traffic violations during the eight-hour period when the traffic is is its peak. He deemed it a positive sign for road safety in the state. Nevertheless, the Motor Vehicle Department encountered technical glitches in sending fine challans to the traffic offenders. Until the issue was rectified by 6.00 pm, only awareness notices were dispatched. SMS alerts to those who were caught violating traffic rules will be sent starting the following day, as the approval from the Telecom Authority of India (TRAI) for sending alerts was delayed.
In response to concerns regarding children below the age of 12 travelling on two-wheelers, changes will be implemented in the camera surveillance system. The modifications will exempt fines for children below the age of 12. In the case of three individuals riding a motorcycle, only the third person who meets the minimum height requirement will be penalised. Control room technicians will inspect the images to ensure accuracy before levying fines. Additionally, the system will be equipped to identify and exempt individuals below the predetermined height. The temporary alteration in the camera software was necessitated by practical difficulties in exempting those under the age of 12.
The implementation of AI cameras marks a significant step towards enhancing road safety in Kerala. The continuous monitoring and detection of traffic violations will play a crucial role in promoting adherence to traffic rules and minimising accidents on the roads.