Rights panel directs Kochi Corporation to take steps to install ANPR cameras

State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) Chairperson Alexander Thomas has directed the Kochi Corporation secretary to take necessary steps after considering the District Collector’s request to allocate funds for the installation of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras within the Corporation limits.

These cameras are intended to detect traffic violations and strengthen road safety measures. The directive comes against the backdrop of a fund shortage faced by Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML). The District Collector had suggested that the Corporation provide financial support for installing the cameras in the interest of traffic safety. The Motor Vehicles department (MVD) informed the Commission that its enforcement wing had submitted a proposal to the Road Safety Commissioner to install 57 additional ANPR cameras, over and above the existing four.

The MVD also informed the Commission that BSNL had begun disconnecting camera connections due to non-payment of charges. The Commission directed the District Police Chief to convene a meeting of senior officials to verify whether the cameras installed within the city limits were functioning properly. The Commission further directed the Kochi Corporation Secretary, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO), and the Road Safety Commissioner to attend the meeting.

Directions have also been issued to verify whether traffic signals across the city are functioning effectively. A detailed report on the action taken must be submitted to the Commission within three weeks by the District Police Chief, the City RTO, and the Corporation Secretary.

The Commission also directed the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), the Assistant Executive Engineer (Local Self-Government), and the Ernakulam RTO to appear at the sitting scheduled on March 3 at at the PWD Rest House, Pathadipalam.