the goan I network
Panaji
A Speed Camera installed along the Dayanand Bandodkar Marg at Miramar as part of a pilot project to demonstrate the efficacy of an intelligent traffic system has been turning many heads at a time when the Goa Police is grappling with a rising number of traffic fatalities.
The system consists of a radar speed sign followed by an enforcer speed camera which automatically and accurately snaps up the vehicle and registration number plates of the offending vehicle to automatically fine the violator.
Speaking to The Goan, Rachin Parashar Business Development Manager of Logix ITS India, the company behind the system, said that the fully automated system, could be the ideal solution to fix Goa’s traffic woes.
“The first is a radar speed gun with a sign that tells you your speed. If your speed is above the limit and you continue to maintain that speed a second enforcer speed camera will snap up a picture of your vehicle and your number plates offering the police data on traffic violators who can then be challaned,” Parashar said.
Radar signs are installed with speed cameras, so that the driver would know by the flashing lights of a radar sign that he is overspeeding, which could cost him his life also.
“Even then, a driver doesn’t slow down the vehicle, in that case speed camera is installed wherein a automated challan is generated of overspeeding vehicles. The goal of installing traffic calming devices is to improve safety on roads,
in neighbourhoods, and on highways. Over decades of use, speed cameras & radar speed signs have proven to lower driver speeds, reduce casualties, and save lives,” the company claims.
Both the devices were installed on Wednesday evening around 6:30 pm and in around 15 hours speed camera has caught 1500 speed violators.
Astonishing reports came in after the installation, which states that the speed violators have went above 80 kmph, wherein the speed limit is 40 on Dayanand Bandodkar Marg.
Panaji Traffic Police Inspector Brendan de Souza confirmed that the trial was on but offered no indication on whether the police department would install the possibly expensive project across the state.
“It’s a 15-day trial set up by the company to prove its prowess to Goa Police. The machine is equipped with night vision, a camera and a speed gun. If this succeeds, they will consider installing these along all major roads and we will begin issuing challans according to the readings. You will be warned to slow down as your approach. Machines will be installed along the major roads as per the notified speed limit,” de Souza said.
According to the report by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, speeding accounted for 2,40,463 accidents in 2015, which killed 64,633 people and injured 2,53,852 people. World Health Organization (WHO) has recognised ‘Speeding’ as one of the five risk-factors in road accidents.
Recent accidents in Goa have drawn attention of the State government to speeding and has sent government and traffic police scurrying to make the roads safer.
