Vehicles move through the capital's Banglamotor intersection beneath the metro rail line on Thursday as newly installed AI-run traffic cameras begin prompting visible changes in traffic management and drivers' behaviour at key intersections in Dhaka. The initiative will be expanded gradually. - FE Photo The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has installed artificial intelligence (AI)-based traffic cameras at several key points in the capital to detect traffic rule violations.
A high official of its traffic division has told The Financial Express that the cameras are constantly monitoring the drivers and bikers on the roads.
He says drivers have started showing clear signs of behavioural shifts following the introduction of the AI-
based Road Transport Act Violation Detection System.
On Thursday, during a visit from InterContinental Dhaka to Farmgate, which usually sees heavy traffic, this correspondent saw bikes, cars, buses, and CNG-run auto-rickshaws stopping before the zebra crossing as soon as the light turned red.
The drivers did not cross the zebra crossing or crowd the space meant for pedestrians, at least not as often as before.
Vehicles moved only when the light turned green, bringing a remarkable change for commuters who had seen a very different reality in the past.
The drivers not following the red light before appeared more alert, often easing off as soon as the cameras came into view.
Even ride-sharing motorcycles -- long criticised for risky manoeuvres, sudden lane changes, and using footpaths to bypass traffic -- seemed more cautious than before.
"The change is visible. I stop at the red light before the crossing line. We should encourage others to follow it," Md Salim Ullah told The Financial Express at Farmgate.
Pedestrians near InterContinental said they had noticed vehicles stopping more frequently at crossings over the past few weeks.They also said crossing certain roads was now safer.
DMP officials say 25 AI-based cameras have been installed between InterContinental and Jahangir Gate.
They say the system, launched earlier this month, can detect five types of traffic violations.
It uses smart CCTV cameras to automatically detect violations, including red-light jumping, entering closed left lanes, lane violations, wrong-way driving, and illegal parking.
According to recent DMP data, more than 300 traffic cases were filed within the first week of the system being operational, while experts believe the number could exceed 1,000 once the network becomes fully operational across Dhaka.
AI-based cameras have been installed at several key intersections, including Shahbagh, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, Jahangir Gate, and Airport Road.
Plans are underway to bring more roads under surveillance.
Traffic officials say the fear of cases, supported by video evidence, has created immediate behavioural changes among drivers.
Under the new system, violation notices are being sent automatically to vehicle owners through a digital prosecution system.
The DMP has warned that ignoring the notices could eventually lead to summons and even arrest warrants under the existing laws.
However, despite the visible improvements, violations still continue across many roads.
Wrong-way driving, signal jumping, and reckless lane cutting are still evident on Dhaka streets.
Pedestrians, too, continue to ignore road crossing rules, especially during peak hours, with many jaywalking instead of using designated crossings or footbridges.
City dwellers hope the new traffic system will be sustained.
But they also say once drivers become familiar with the camera locations, some may return to their old habits in areas outside surveillance coverage.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
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