The Kerala Government has operationalized 726 AI-enabled cameras as part of the Fully Automated Traffic Enforcement System to enforce traffic rules and reduce road accidents.
The cameras were installed at a cost of ₹232 crore and will detect offences such as failure to wear helmets and seat belts, hit-and-run accidents, unauthorised parking, and over-speeding. The AI cameras are solar-powered and have been integrated with 4G SIM cards to transmit data to the control rooms. Initially, fines ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,000 will be levied on offenders for violations such as over-speeding, driving/riding without fastening seat belts/wearing helmets, use of mobile phones while driving/riding, and exceeding the permissible seating capacity of two passengers on two-wheelers.
However, the introduction of the automated system has raised concerns among motorists, such as the possibility of multiple fines for committing the same offence on a single day and hardships for families of three or more members who regularly travel on two-wheelers.
To sensitise the public and familiarise them with the functioning of the automated system and road safety rules, the government has announced a one-month relief from fines for offences detected by the cameras, and it has also assured to raise permissible speed limits in view of the improving condition of roads in the State.