Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 25: The Goa Transport Department is strengthening enforcement through AI-enabled traffic signal cameras capable of detecting suspicious, fake or altered vehicle number plates, officials said.

Transport Director Arvind Khutkar said the cameras record a vehicle's registration number while also capturing details such as its colour, make and model, allowing authorities to cross-check the information.

"The cameras record a vehicle's registration number, but the system can also capture details such as the vehicle's colour, make, model and registration number, allowing the information to be cross-checked. If the number plate recorded by the camera does not correspond with the vehicle or otherwise appears suspicious, the vehicle can be red-flagged for further action," Khutkar told reporters.

The system could also help identify vehicles displaying fancy number plates and private vehicles allegedly being used for commercial purposes.

"One of the issues that the AI-based enforcement system could help flag is the misuse of private vehicles for commercial purposes," Khutkar said.

Private vehicles are required to display prescribed white number plates, while commercial vehicles must carry the appropriate registration format. Enforcement officials said there have been instances of private vehicles allegedly being used as taxis or for other commercial activities.

"If such a vehicle is detected through the AI-enabled cameras, the information can be passed on to the RTOs for verification and further action," Khutkar said.

Evidence to determine violations

A practical challenge could arise if a vehicle's number plate is changed before enforcement personnel intercept it.

A camera may record a vehicle displaying a registration plate indicating private use, while officials could find a different plate when the vehicle is subsequently stopped.

Khutkar said action in such cases would have to be based on evidence establishing that the violation occurred at the relevant point in time.

Once a vehicle is red-flagged, authorities can issue a notice to its registered owner or intercept the vehicle if it is detected again.

"If a particular vehicle is repeatedly detected at locations across Goa over an extended period, the accumulated data could potentially be used to flag the vehicle for verification," he said.

"The system records the registration number as well as the vehicle's make, model and colour, enabling authorities to identify the same vehicle when it appears repeatedly. Once sufficient evidence is available, a notice can be issued to the owner," Khutkar added.