Chennai to deploy 170 ANPR cameras to curb wrong-side driving
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Chennai: The Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) is ramping up its crackdown on wrong-side driving by deploying 170 additional automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras throughout the city. A tender worth Rs 3.74 crore has been floated for this project, which aims to boost surveillance, streamline penalty issuance, and integrate seamlessly with the central traffic command system.
The new cameras will be strategically placed at key junctions and major arterial roads known for frequent violations. Equipped to capture high-resolution images of vehicles driving against traffic, the devices will automatically generate e-challans by linking with the Vahan and Sarathi databases. The evidence collected will hold legal validity, ensuring stricter enforcement.
These advanced cameras can capture number plates even at speeds up to 150 kmph and are designed to function efficiently under diverse lighting and weather conditions. They will be integrated into Chennai’s intelligent traffic management platform, enabling real-time monitoring and data-driven traffic control.
Wrong-side driving remains a significant issue in Chennai, especially on GST Road, Poonamallee High Road, and Old Mahabalipuram Road. In 2023 alone, over 74,000 cases were registered, with the eastern region recording the highest number of violations, followed by the northern and southern parts of the city. Currently, nearly 35% of violations are detected through existing cameras.
Key hotspots include Thambu Chetty Street, Retteri Junction, and Madhavaram Roundtana in the north; Vadapalani Junction, LB Road Signal, and the 200-Feet Radial Road in the south; and Barnaby Road Junction, Valluvarkottam Junction, and PS Sivasamy Salai in the east.
Traffic officials expect the expanded ANPR network to significantly improve compliance, reduce accidents caused by reckless driving, and ease traffic congestion. The initiative aims not only to penalize offenders but also to act as a strong deterrent by consistently recording and addressing violations.
Authorities emphasize that while the technology-driven approach promises positive outcomes, continuous monitoring and regular maintenance of the system will be crucial for its success.
This expansion of ANPR cameras is a key step in Chennai’s ongoing efforts to create a safer and smarter urban traffic environment.
With IANS inputs