Your neighbourhood traffic signal could get smarter, and catch violators

Ever since the online system for traffic chalans went live in Hyderabad, one sees fewer incidents of cops talking (read negotiating) with traffic signal violators, who stand meekly by the roadside, trying to pull a trick or two (or some rupee notes) from their bag to go free.

Over the past few years, a camera wielding cop evokes more fear from the public than a lathi wielding constable! Any signs of a violation, the traffic constable clicks a picture of the vehicle with the number plate and promptly upload them online. The online system, app reminders and mobile notifications take care of the rest.

The online system has indeed been a welcome change. However, this isn't to say that the 'negotiators' have been totally done away with. Moreover, the lack of a cop by the road-side makes many a motorist go berserk, given that there isn't the 'papparazi' to catch one in action.

This is one area where computer vision, image processing and automation can simplify lives further, and bring about some orderliness. Imagine if HD CCTV cameras are setup at every junction or major points in the roads. Now, computer vision can process the streaming images, make out the number plates and potentially alert remote personnel on traffic violations. Upon confirmation, a traffic challan can be immediately raised. A futuristic version of this system, could process everything fully automatically.

This not only automates & simplifies traffic monitoring and law enforcement, but also effectively does away with any chance of 'negotiations' and out-of court settlements! Importantly, this instills a fear of the unknown in the public, that someone is perpetually watching over one's shoulders and that no violations would be spared.

Such a system is very much possible today with advances in image processing and computer vision, while the streaming loads can be handled by a standard big data setup with a Hadoop/Spark cluster. Revenues from the challans and enforcement will more than cover the cost of high quality cameras as well.