CCTV cameras captured over 48K traffic violators in a year in Karnal

In a major step toward enhancing road safety, CCTV cameras installed at key chowks across the city captured 48,834 traffic rule violators in the past year.

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Riding without helmet emerged as the most common violation, with as many as 40,877 challans issued to two-wheeler riders over this. Besides, the cameras also captured commuters jumping red lights, crossing zebra lines, speeding, driving on wrong side, driving without seat-belts, which are among the major violations in the city and contribute to road accidents.

Out of the total challans, as many as 6,309 were issued in January, 5,934 in February, 6,327 in March, 2,997 in April, one each in May, June, July, 1,623 in August, 6,215 in September, 6,313 in October, 6,199 in November and 6,514 in December.

As per information, for comprehensive monitoring, as many as 199 cameras, including 131 Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and 68 Red Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras were installed at 32 locations of the city for capturing traffic violators of the city.

Besides, under the Karnal Smart City project, an additional 230 CCTV cameras — comprising 63 Pan Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) cameras and bullet cameras — were installed at 66 locations to expand coverage of traffic hotspots and deter miscreants. Footage of all cameras is streamed live on big screens at the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC), an initiative of the Smart City Mission, in the building of Karnal Municipal Corporation (KMC). Apart from the team members of the agency handling the ICCC, police officials also monitor the traffic violators and issue challans.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Ganga Ram Punia said that the crackdown on violators was part of the bigger goal to improve road safety and reduce accidents.

“Our objective is not to issue maximum challans or collect fines but to ensure road safety and reduce accidents by way of awareness and effective enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Act and rules made thereunder. Awareness campaigns are being regularly conducted to educate the public about traffic rules,” he said.

“Our police officials monitor the CCTV cameras at the ICCC and issue challans to those who are found violating the norms,” said the SP.

“The installation of ANPR and RLVD cameras has significantly improved our ability to enforce rules. We are committed to making roads safer for all commuters,” the SP added.

The SP appealed to local residents to follow the traffic rules to reduce the number of accidents.

While many residents appreciate the efforts to ensure safety, some expressed concerns about the hefty fines imposed for violations. Some suggest improvements in road infrastructure and traffic management systems to complement the crackdown on violators. “The penalties are too high for the common man. The authorities should focus on improving road infrastructure alongside strict enforcement,” said Puneet Kumar, a local resident.

Others supported the move as a step towards behavioral change. “Strict enforcement will ensure people think twice before breaking traffic rules. It is a necessary step for safer roads,” said Ashish Kumar, another resident.