In a bid to further bolster road safety measures and crack down on traffic violations, the Kerala Department of Motor Vehicles is set to invest in advanced technology by procuring dawn cameras. The move comes in the wake of the ongoing controversy surrounding the deployment of AI cameras, which were originally installed to nab traffic offenders at a cost of Rs 232 crore.
With the lingering debate over the efficiency and impact of AI cameras, the Department of Motor Vehicles is seeking to address the concerns by exploring the utilisation of drone cameras, projected to cost an additional Rs 400 crore.
The proposed project, outlined in a report submitted by the Department of Motor Vehicles to the Department of Transport, outlines the acquisition of around 200 drone cameras. While the estimated cost of each Dawn camera stands at approximately Rs 2 crore, discussions around their potential benefits had been underway even before the AI camera controversy surfaced.
Moreover, the department is reportedly pursuing the prospect of securing central assistance for this initiative. The overarching aim of seeking central assistance is to curb road accidents and reduce the incidence of accidental deaths in the state.
The focal point of the plan revolves around enhancing road safety across Kerala. The Department of Motor Vehicles remains hopeful that the Centre will extend support in this crucial endeavour, considering the dire need to create safer roadways.
These newly proposed drone cameras are poised to be installed in areas that currently lack AI cameras. This strategic placement is intended to ensure comprehensive coverage, with the goal of detecting and addressing all forms of law violations in both urban and remote regions. The initiative aligns with the broader objective of imposing stricter penalties on those who flout traffic rules.
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