Overspeeding tops NH traffic violations in Udupi

Udupi: An assessment of traffic data on the national highway in Udupi district has revealed that the majority of traffic violations are related to overspeeding, with two-wheelers, three-wheelers and light motor vehicles accounting for a large share of offenders.

To curb reckless driving and prevent accidents, Udupi police installed speed radar cameras linked with AI at six key locations and made them functional from May 21. The cameras detected nearly 46,753 violations, of which about 29,484 cases were related to overspeeding on the highways. In addition, 12,184 cases of seatbelt violations, 11,396 helmetless riding and 2,677 cases of wrong-side driving have also been detected.

SP Hariram Shankar said that while AI cameras were installed at Kaup, Uchila, Thekkatte, Gangolli, Byndoor and areas of Karkala rural police station limits, devices will be installed at 14 more locations in future. In addition, nearly 200 CCTV cameras have also been installed at various locations in the district, he said, adding that the data of violations with pictures is being transferred to the control room, where challans are generated.

“We have detected an average of 3,000 to 4,000 violations per day. Currently, we issue 200 to 300 challans per day after verification. We will increase the number of challans going forward. Violators may pay the penalty at any police station in the district,” the SP said. Since the number of violations is higher, the district has been witnessing a large number of accidents on national highways, he noted.

“The new system of speed radar cameras linked with AI detects overspeed, seatbelt violation, triple/ helmetless riding, and one-way violations. The automatic number plate reader cameras in the system help police to find the violators easily. Another advantage of the AI cameras is that they can detect even broken or fake number plates,” he added.