From July1 AI –enabled camera systems are expected to play a greater role in detecting traffic violations and issuing challans. The objective is commendable, improve road safety, ensure compliance with traffic rules, and reduce human intervention in enforcement. However, an important question: Is the supporting road infrastructure ready for strict AI based enforcement? Technology can identify violations with remarkable accuracy, but road users also have a right to expect proper traffic management infrastructure. Before penalizing citizens through automated systems, authorities must ensure that roads meet basic safety and regulatory standards. The success of any traffic enforcement system depends on two equally important pillars, enforcement and infrastructure. If enforcement becomes stronger while infrastructure deficiencies remain unresolved, public confidence in the system may suffer. Citizens generally support measures that improve safety and reduce accidents. However, they also expect accountability from authorities. Once AI based challan systems are introduced, there should be regular audits of road conditions, signage, streetlights, and speed calming measures. If citizens are expected to comply with traffic rules under continuous electronic surveillance, the administration must ensure that every road sign, street light, marking, signal, and speed breaker is maintained to the same standard of accountability.
EVARISTO FERNANDES, Merces
