With the introduction of new cameras and technological upgradations the number of cases booked and the fines collected by the Bangalore Traffic Police has gone up.
The Bangalore Traffic police has booked 7,22,550 cases of people jumping signals till August 2023, a 72 percent jump from 4,20,541 cases in the whole of 2022, collecting a sum of over Rs. 36 crore so far. The police attribute this increase to the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) and cameras supported by Artificial Intelligence(AI), adding that currently, 97 percent enforcement of traffic is using cameras, which makes the job more efficient.
Surveillance cameras placed in the city under Bengaluru Traffic Improvement Project (BTRAC) include ITMS cameras in 50 junctions, enforcement cameras in 10 junctions and video traffic surveillance and monitoring system in 174 locations, including variable message signboards.
“One day, I got a call from the traffic police station. They said that I have some dues to pay,” said Radha, a resident of Koramangala. She went to the station and found out that she had to pay Rs.2500. “I asked them for proof. They showed me the pictures of where I missed the traffic line and where I wrongly parked the car. So, I couldn’t deny it,” Radha added.
Venu, another resident of Koramangala said that many got traffic fines. “I just went to Anjinyar temple near my house. Why wear a helmet to nearby places?” he asked. He also said that people are not familiar with new signals, and so they get caught.
“I passed the signal two days back. I’m waiting for the fine,” said Guru, a college student.
Anurag Kulshrestha, Founder President of TRAX, a road safety NGO said that Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), designated and installed at entry and exit of highways or expressways, monitors traffic, checks the speed limit and tracks vehicle movement. From this, the traffic police will come to know about the missing vehicles and can send help, or can send traffic tickets or challan to the violators.
After ITMS and AI
Earlier, the traffic police used to take photos and post them in the Bangalore Traffic Police app (BTP). “Observation from ground has a lot of limitations. AI cameras are more precise, and will detect more cases. Nobody is spared now, even government vehicles are caught,” said Dr. Anilkumar Grampurohit, inspector, traffic police management cell, Infantry Road.
Mr. Kulshrestha said that it is more important to have a balance between active and passive traffic enforcement. “AI cameras are backed by active enforcement. The data recorded will be sent to the traffic management center, from where it will be monitored by the police. The number plates and details will be checked and the police will issue challans online,” he said. He added that the Bengaluru-Mysore road has cameras every 500 meters. “The traffic police get feeds in real time and can spot any wrong doers. This must be the example everywhere. So with the help of cameras, there is no need to deploy people everywhere.”
Crimes reported
From the increase in the number of jumping of traffic signal cases detected, it is evident that enforcement has become more precise with the help of technology. The inspector said that even ordinary people can report any crimes or traffic violations, and they shouldn’t hesitate to help people during cases like hit and run.
“If you observe any accidents or hit and run, you are protected under the good Samaritan law. You can also use apps like Public Eye and I Change My City (ICMC) to report traffic violations,” said Grampurohit.
