AI to monitor traffic violations in Bengaluru: Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday said that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be used to monitor traffic violations in the city.

“More than 6,000 driving licences have been cancelled in the last three years. As per NCRB data, two-wheelers are involved in most of the accidents. It is important that two-wheeler riders compulsorily wear helmets,” the Deputy Chief Minister said during his speech on the occasion of National Road Safety Month-24 at Kanteerava Stadium.

He said that one should have confidence but not over-confidence while driving.

“Life is precious, follow traffic rules. Don’t indulge in footpath riding and signal jumping,” the Deputy Chief Minister urged youth, while emphasising the need to impart education about road safety.

The government has also released a handbook called ‘Molakeyalle Thiddiri’ (correct them in formative years) to create awareness among children about traffic rules, discipline, tolerance, etc.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that during the previous Congress government, they had introduced ‘CM Santwana Harish’ scheme to provide immediate treatment to accident victims.

“Population of Bengaluru is increasing rapidly and so is the vehicular population. We are formulating a plan to ease traffic in the city in collaboration with BBMP, Police Department and Transport Department. Traffic management models of other countries are also being studied,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

On eviction of street vendors, the Deputy Chief Minister said that these evictions are happening as per the High Court orders.

“Footpaths are meant for pedestrians and can’t be taken by street vendors. Street vendors will be allowed to do business at a suitable location after valid registrations with authorities. The government is even willing to provide them financial assistance,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Asked if Priyanka Gandhi will consider contesting from Karnataka or Telangana in the upcoming parliamentary elections, he said, “I don’t have any information, nobody has spoken to me about it.”

When asked about BJP leaders allegations that there is no safety in the state, he said, “They are perhaps referring to their rule. We do not support moral policing at any cost.”

Asked about the allegation of Basava Kalyana MLA that no funds have been allocated for historical Anubhava Mantapa, he said, “He is a first time MLA. The Chief Minister on Friday announced naming of Freedom Park after Allama Prabhu. This project was initiated by the Congress government, but why did BJP not allocate funds during their rule?”