Traffic violations caught by AI cameras – Even government vehicles violating rules face penalties: ADGP

Mysore/Mysuru:In a significant step towards enforcing road traffic discipline, all government vehicles, including KSRTC Busesare now responsible for breaking traffic regulations.

Earlier, these vehicles were commonly seen openly flouting traffic rules. However, the new wave of AI-powered cameras with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) installed in Mysuru and Bengaluru, as well as along the controlled highway connecting the two cities under the Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS), is changing the scenario.

Revolutionary ANPR cameras are used to detect and document a variety of road traffic offences including not wearing a seatbelt, speeding and changing traffic lights.

When a government vehicle violates these rules, the cameras capture photographic evidence of the violation. The images are then sent directly to the cell phones of the drivers, the officer in charge of the vehicle or the appropriate corporation that owns and operates the vehicles.

“The technology does not discriminate against violators. Real-time SMS messages regarding the violation are generated and sent to the registered mobile number of the person or officer in whose name the vehicle that committed the violation is registered, irrespective of whether it is a government or private vehicle,” said Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) – Traffic and Road Safety, Alok Kumar.

There have been many instances of KSRTC bus drivers violating lane discipline on the Mysuru-Bengaluru National Highway 275, driving on the wrong side, endangering other drivers, driving without seat belts and talking on mobile phones. Such rogue drivers are punished as their violations are captured with evidence by AI-powered cameras.

The vehicle buyer must pay

Speaking to Star of Mysore, Alok Kumar said that government vehicles are allotted by the Transport Department to heads of various government departments or managing directors of KSRTC.

“Vehicles are further allotted by departmental heads to officers who have the opportunity or privilege to travel in government vehicles and such officers are liable to pay fines if the vehicles are booked for violations. In some cases, vehicles are directly allotted to drivers who are then liable to pay fine in case of violations. Sometimes, such fines are settled annually before the vehicle is handed over to another officer,” the ADGP added.

This new technology is impartial, treating all vehicles equally, regardless of their owner. Unlike human officers who may overlook some vehicles, the cameras do not distinguish between private and government vehicles.

As a result, penalties are applied equally to all violators, ensuring that there is no escape from the consequences of breaking traffic laws. This marks a significant step forward in the use of technology to maintain order on the roads.

The introduction of these AI-powered cameras underlines the commitment to enforcing traffic rules and making roads safer for all. With consistent enforcement of penalties, it is expected that even government vehicles will follow traffic rules more stringently, setting an example for all road users.