In the coming months, traffic violators, including those not wearing a helmet on the East Coast Road can be sure of getting a challan at their doorstep. As part of a World Bank project, high-end satellite cameras with speed sensors and number plate detection system will be installed on a stretch along the ECR on a pilot basis.
Sources in the Tamil Nadu Road Development Company that maintains the road said that as part of their efforts to improve road safety on the ECR upto Mamallapuram, they had drawn up a proposal for ₹8.6 crore.
The project would utilise satellite-based cameras that would be able to capture incidents and assist in speed control. The World Bank has approved the project but the details are being finalised and tenders will be called for shortly, said an official.
“It is not just a camera, it is a full-fledged system. It will have an infra-red camera, a sensor and a transmission device. It can capture high-resolution images even during the night,” said an official from the transport department. A total of five high-end cameras with sensors and 33 normal CCTV cameras will be installed between Akkarai and Mamallapuram.
When a motorist rides through the stretch, his image will be captured if he is not wearing a helmet or seat belt, over speeding or using a mobile phone while driving. The image of the motorist and the number plate will be sent to the transport department’s database.
Using the vehicle registration number, his/her address will be automatically detected and a challan with the relevant fine will be sent to the motorist’s house. “If the pilot project is successful, it will be extended to other parts of the city,” the official said.
Crime detection
Apart from traffic violation, the system can aid in crime detection too once it is implemented across the city and on all highways. “The police can use this to track stolen vehicles. Besides, the number plate detection facility will aid in identifying hit and run vehicles and also to identify the route taken by criminals after committing a crime, a traffic police officer said.
