Bengaluru, the tech hub of India, continues to grapple with severe traffic management issues, as highlighted by a recent report on traffic violations. From January to July 2024, the city has seen an alarming 53.62 lakh traffic violations, resulting in a hefty ₹35.38 crore in fines. The surge in violations points to deepening problems in traffic enforcement and highlights the ongoing struggle of managing the city’s congested roadways.
The data reveals a concerning trend in traffic violations over the past seven months. January recorded the highest number of violations at 8.47 lakh, while April saw the fewest with 6.90 lakh cases. This fluctuation reflects not only the varying traffic volumes throughout the year but also the effectiveness and reach of enforcement measures.
The increasing deployment of CCTV cameras has had a significant impact on capturing and addressing traffic violations. By July 2024, these cameras had recorded 51.67 lakh cases alone, contributing ₹10.70 crore to the total fines collected. The technology, while a substantial improvement in monitoring and enforcement, also underscores the extent of the problem.
In July, a focused crackdown on vehicles with flashing LED lights resulted in 28,620 cases statewide, with Bengaluru accounting for 9,046 of these incidents. This move highlights the city’s efforts to address specific violations that contribute to road safety hazards.
Examining the five-year trend in traffic violations provides further context to the current situation:
- 2019: 79.87 lakh cases with ₹89.18 crore in fines.
- 2020: 84.06 lakh cases with ₹84.06 crore in fines.
- 2021: 93.58 lakh cases with ₹140.32 crore in fines.
- 2022: 104.66 lakh cases with ₹179.76 crore in fines.
- 2023: 90.00 lakh cases with ₹185.14 crore in fines.
- 2024 (till July): 53.62 lakh cases with ₹35.38 crore in fines.
The data from these years indicates a significant increase in violations from 2019 to 2022, with a slight decrease in 2023. The current year’s figures suggest a complex interplay of factors influencing traffic behaviour and enforcement efficacy.
Breakdown of Violations by Vehicle Type
A detailed look at the types of vehicles involved in violations reveals the following breakdown for 2024:
- Buses: 28,231 cases
- Goods Vehicles: 8,305 cases
- Autorickshaws: 15,427 cases
- Light Vehicles: 747,137 cases
- Two Wheelers: 4,539,919 cases
- Tempos: 22,249 cases
Two-wheelers are the most frequent offenders, contributing significantly to the total number of violations. This trend emphasises the need for targeted interventions to address specific types of vehicles and their respective impact on road safety.
The Bengaluru Traffic Police have been intensifying efforts to manage this surge in violations. The introduction of technology such as CCTV cameras has played a crucial role in capturing and processing traffic offences. However, the sheer volume of violations presents a formidable challenge.
In addition to technological measures, there have been concerted efforts to recover unpaid fines. Police personnel have been visiting offenders’ homes to ensure compliance, highlighting the proactive steps being taken to address the issue.
Despite these measures, the increasing number of violations suggests that more comprehensive strategies may be needed to effectively manage Bengaluru’s traffic woes. The data underscores the critical need for continued innovation and enforcement to ensure safer roads for all residents.