The Bengaluru Traffic Police’s Public Eye app is becoming an increasingly popular tool for residents to report traffic violations, contributing to improved road safety and discipline in the city. In 2024, the app has recorded an average of 850 violations reported daily, with approximately 600 cases leading to police action, as reported by The New Indian Express.
As of August 2024, a total of 2,55,048 violations have been uploaded to the Public Eye app, resulting in 2,13,048 cases being booked by the police. This marks a significant level of engagement compared to the previous year, when 3,14,564 violations were reported and 2,43,116 cases resulted in penalties. Since its launch in September 2015, the app has facilitated the reporting of over 19 lakh violations, leading to approximately 16 lakh cases resulting in fines.
The Public Eye app allows citizens to submit photos or videos of traffic violations, which are subsequently reviewed by the police. For a submission to be deemed valid, the violation and the vehicle’s registration number must be clearly visible. Once confirmed, the police can issue fines to the violators.
Kuldeep Jain, Deputy Commissioner of Police for Traffic in East Bengaluru, highlighted the app’s effectiveness, noting that it has attracted over 1,00,000 users in the city. He reiterated that the primary goal of the app is not merely to file cases but to foster safer driving habits and improved road discipline. By empowering citizens to report violations, the app acts as an additional set of eyes on the road, particularly in areas where police presence may be lacking.
Senior police officers have pointed out that the data collected through the Public Eye app is instrumental in identifying traffic hotspots, particularly in residential and commercial areas. This information allows authorities to deploy resources more effectively and address recurring issues. The most frequently reported violations include parking on footpaths and in no-parking zones, underscoring the challenges faced by pedestrians and motorists alike.
The increasing use of the Public Eye app reflects a growing civic engagement in Bengaluru, as residents take an active role in promoting road safety. By providing a platform for reporting violations, the app not only aids law enforcement but also encourages a culture of accountability among drivers. As Bengaluru continues to expand, tools like the Public Eye app will be crucial in managing traffic challenges and enhancing the overall safety of the city’s roads.