Cameras to monitor accident-prone areas in Kerala

Kochi: With a view to reduce mishaps, the Motor Vehicle Department is planning to set up surveillance cameras at “accident-prone locations” along vital roads including the Kochi-Madurai and Ernakulam-Kottayam highways.

“The survey to identify danger spots in these areas has been completed and the proposal has been submitted for government approval. In the Ernakulam-Puthotta section alone seven such locations have been identified (15 cameras). All these selected routes have sharp curves but because the roads are good, vehicles can be seen speeding which results in mishaps,” said Tripunithura Joint RTO Joji P Jose.

The survey in the Kottayam-Vaikom section is also in the final stages and will be completed in a couple of months. The project is expected to be realised by early next year and ‘KELTRON’ will be the implementing agency.

An assessment by the Kerala Road Safety Authority (KRSA) has found that the maximum number of accident-prone stretches is in Ernakulam (33). Places which have a history of at least three major accidents in a year have come under the category of black spots.

“A hefty fine will be levied on those vehicles caught on the cameras for various offences like overspeeding and other traffic rule violations. This has proved effective in many stretches especially in MC Road (Chengannur-Thiruvananthapuram section). The survey will also cover Kottayam-Chenganassery section so surveillance cameras can be installed,” another MVD official said.