The system uses AI software to automatically send challans for illegal parking or triple-seat riding
Think no one’s watching when you break a traffic rule? Think again. In Pune, artificial intelligence is now doing what humans couldn’t always catch, busting careless drivers, 24/7, with zero excuses. In just one month, these AI-enabled cameras have already identified over 1,400 traffic violators.
Smart cameras, smarter policing
Since May 29, three AI-powered CCTV cameras installed on Fergusson College Road have flagged 1,450 traffic offences, all without a single traffic cop at the spot.
The violations included:
- 1,100 cases of no-parking
- 119 cases of double parking
- 221 cases of wrong-side driving
- 5 cases of triple-seat riding
- 5 cases of talking on the phone while driving
Automated challans (fines) were sent out immediately to the offenders based on the camera footage.
AI making roads safer
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Amol Zende said the cameras are doing a solid job:
No traffic personnel are manning vehicles at these three spots, and the cameras are generating the traffic challans online based on the violations.
He added that the new system is already reducing common offences like wrong-side driving and double parking. He said:
We hope to ease traffic between Good Luck Chowk and Fergusson College’s main gate in the next few days.
How these AI cameras actually work
These cameras don’t just record, they detect and decide. The system uses AI software to automatically identify traffic violations such as illegal parking or riding a triple-seat. Once a breach is detected, a digital challan is instantly issued to the offender.
This means:
- No need for on-ground staff
- Instant detection and fines
- 24x7 surveillance
- Less human error or bias
Seeing the positive results, the Pune Police now plan to expand the system.
Zende explained:
We will soon install more such AI-based cameras on JM Road and near Lohegaon Airport. This will instill discipline in motorists and help us regulate traffic more efficiently.
The system is still under review, but the early signs are promising.
Towing vans suspended (for now)
In another move, Pune Police have temporarily suspended towing van services after receiving complaints about their misuse. Police said the vans will return with new CCTV cameras and new staff once the system is cleaned up.
Still counting the fines
While the number of offences is known, the total amount of fines collected from these AI cameras will take about 10 more days to calculate, said a traffic department officer.
In Pune, if you break a traffic rule, there's a good chance an AI camera is already watching and issuing a fine.