NEW DELHI: Centre wants states and local agencies to ensure cameras used for detecting traffic rule violations are capable of catching people not wearing seatbelt or helmet, driving on the wrong side, using mobile phone, and eating and drinking while driving, among other offences.
The cameras should also be able to capture videos, even if vehicles are at 200kmph, state the SOP for electronic enforcement of motor vehicles law across states and UTs, which was submitted to SC by road transport and highways ministry. The SOP aims at preventing a large number of road crashes and fatalities due to wrong-side and distracted driving.
The SOP was prepared following an SC order directing 23 states and 7 UTs to file compliance reports indicating the implementation of electronic monitoring as provided in central Motor Vehicles Act. The automated camera enforcement system of traffic rules is the default mode for electronic enforcement and generating prosecutable evidence, focusing on accountability of violators and enforcement agencies.
As per the submitted SOP, the cameras installed should automatically generate evidence of distracted drivers, particularly of those using mobile phones, eating or drinking and not wearing seatbelt. The cameras should capture an offence, including a one second to 10 seconds video having vehicle, location, time and date details, without motion blur. The system needs to process violations within “one” second and generate real-time alerts for enforcement authorities.
In case of driving against the flow of traffic, the system will need to use cameras, sensors and advanced algorithms to detect the violation automatically. It should be able to differentiate between actual violations and permitted movements, such as those of police, ambulance, fire brigade. It must capture high-resolution images of the violating vehicle and a five-second video before and after detection of violation.
Similarly, to rein in vehicle owners and drivers who change phone numbers and addresses to evade paying fines, the ministry will have a one-time three-month window to verify and update the details, and after that it will be a prerequisite for availing any transport and driving licence-related services. The SOP specifies setting up of online systems across states to enable drivers and vehicle owners to challenge challans issued by traffic police or transport officials.
