Chennai Traffic Police to Deploy Specialized Cameras Targeting Wrong-Side Driving
Greater Chennai Traffic Police is set to deploy cameras specifically targeting wrong-side driving, a leading cause of over 350 injuries and numerous fatalities on city roads annually. Each police station has identified up to six critical junctions where wrong-side driving is prevalent. In the initial phase, cameras will be installed at Nandaham, Spencer`s junction, and on Poonamallee High Road near Koyambedu. These cameras, different from standard ones, are placed facing the opposite direction of traffic flow.
Moreover, specialized teams will be stationed at accident-prone locations equipped with tripod cameras tailored to capture this specific traffic violation. These portable cameras, standing at a height of six feet, provide a 360-degree view to document vehicular movements effectively. A senior police officer emphasized the importance of both ANPR cameras for identifying drivers and tripod cameras for documenting the circumstances surrounding the offenses.
In 2023, official data recorded over 60,180 cases filed and the seizure of more than 1,600 vehicles for repeat offenses. Police attribute wrong-side violations to areas with ongoing metro rail and civic infrastructure projects, where motorists often seek shortcuts to avoid longer routes. However, urban planning experts point to various factors such as inefficient traffic planning, uneven carriageways, and insufficient lane markings and enforcement contributing to these violations.
