AI Camera Versus Camera Detector App: Indian Motorists Now Escaping Fines, FIR

In an attempt to reduce the number of accidents on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Access-Controlled Highway, the authorities have installed 60 AI cameras. These cameras ensure that those who drive above the speed limit get a challan issued. However, people driving on this highway have become smarter and have found a way to evade this system. These tech-savvy drivers are now using camera detector apps to escape fines and avoid FIRs.

AI Cameras on Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway

The Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway is a crucial stretch of National Highway 275. Over the last year that it has been functional, numerous accidents have taken place on it. In response to the increasing rate of fatalities, the authorities introduced AI-based speed cameras along the highway with a strict speed limit set at 100 km/h.

These AI cameras are equipped to detect vehicles exceeding 80 km/h and monitor reckless lane changes. Offenders face fines of Rs 1,000, and those caught speeding above 130 km/h could even face an FIR under new rules effective from August 1, 2024.

What’s more interesting is that these cameras do not merely capture vehicles exceeding speed limits. Rather, they are capable of calculating a vehicle’s average speed over a distance, so they can detect intermittent speed reductions.

AI Camera Detector Apps

Like everything else in this world, people have managed to find a way around these AI cameras that issue challans. It has been reported that numerous motorists on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway have now started using mobile apps like the ‘Radar Speed Camera Detector’ to outsmart AI cameras.

This app is available for free with limited features and premium options for more comprehensive protection. What it does is identify the locations of AI speed cameras along the highway. Upon detection, it alerts drivers in advance.

It then allows the drivers to slow down just in time to avoid penalties. Once the drivers get past the camera, they often resume speeding until they are alerted to the next camera’s presence.

Naturally, this evasion tool has created a significant challenge for law enforcement. Despite the AI cameras’ ability to track average speeds, the temporary slowdowns prompted by the app often prevent the cameras from recording a violation.

Many app users claim they have successfully avoided fines and FIRs. The result is that it poses a serious issue for the police, who are struggling to enforce traffic rules because of such technological countermeasures.

Limitations of Detection Apps

Following the increase in the use of this application, it has been reported that the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Traffic and Road Safety, Alok Kumar, has addressed the concerns surrounding this issue. He has emphasized that while these apps may offer a sense of security to drivers, they are not foolproof.

The AI cameras are sophisticated enough to calculate a vehicle’s overall speed across a stretch of the highway. He added that these render the temporary slowdown tactic largely ineffective in some cases.

However, the growing popularity of these apps indicates that many motorists remain unconvinced, as they report not receiving any violation notices despite using the app to evade detection.

Expansion of AI Camera Network

In order to respond to this growing challenge, the authorities are planning to expand the AI camera network on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway. The current setup of 60 cameras is set to expand to 100. This will reduce the distance between cameras and make it more difficult for motorists to rely on detection apps to evade penalties.

Are These Camera Detection Apps Legal?

It should be mentioned that the use of camera detector apps is not illegal. However, it raises serious ethical concerns. These apps allow motorists to escape fines, challans, and even FIRs by exploiting loopholes in the enforcement system.

However, the ability to evade penalties does not make this practice right. The primary goal of speed limits and traffic enforcement is to ensure the safety of all road users. By using these apps to bypass regulations, drivers are putting themselves and others at risk.

Importance of Speed Limits

We hope that everyone is aware of the fact that speed limits are not arbitrary numbers. They are set based on road conditions, traffic flow, and safety considerations. Driving at high speeds increases the likelihood of accidents, and the severity of those accidents is often greater. By adhering to speed limits, motorists contribute to a safer driving environment, reducing the chances of collisions and fatalities.

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