Bengaluru
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in India, Bengaluru has launched an AI-powered digital billboard at Trinity Circle that displays the names of drivers with pending traffic challans and expired vehicle documents in real time. The project aims to improve road safety and public accountability by making traffic violations visible to the public.
How it works
The billboard uses AI-enabled cameras capable of scanning vehicle registration numbers from up to 100 meters away. Within 10 seconds, the system cross-checks the data with the national VAHAN database to identify unpaid fines, expired insurance, or lapsed Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
Violations are displayed on the large LED screen for public viewing. Vehicles with no violations are also highlighted to encourage compliant behaviour.
Collaboration and implementation
This initiative is a joint effort by Bengaluru Traffic Police, Cars24, CrashFree India, and Monday Ventures. The project is currently a pilot to assess how public display of traffic violations impacts driver behaviour and adherence to traffic laws.
Public reaction
The billboard has received mixed responses from the public:
- Supporters see it as a strong deterrent against traffic violations and a step toward transparency.
- Critics have raised concerns about privacy and the potential for public shaming.
Future plans
If successful, authorities plan to install similar AI-driven billboards at other strategic locations in Bengaluru to further enhance compliance and road safety.
Conclusion
Bengaluru’s AI-powered billboard represents an innovative attempt to use technology for traffic management, combining deterrence and public accountability. Its success could influence traffic enforcement strategies in other Indian cities.