From Monday onwards, Kerala will start levying fines on violations detected by artificial intelligence (AI) cameras, according to the state’s transport minister, Antony Raju. Raju said that since the cameras were launched in April as part of the Safe Kerala initiative, traffic violations have reduced by half despite the lack of fines. The reduction in violations is expected to continue with fines in place, Raju added. Fines will include those for overspeeding, not wearing helmets and seat belts, and using mobile phones while driving. The AI cameras are currently capable of issuing 20,000 fines per day.
However, certain offences, such as travelling with a child of 12 years or younger as a third person on a two-wheeler, will not be levied for now. Raju said the state government has approached the Centre to amend the Motor Vehicle Act to permit one child as a third person to travel on motorcycles and scooters, but the decision is still pending. Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has said that it is not wise to allow a third person to travel on a two-wheeler since motorcycles and scooters are designed to carry only two people.
