More than 4,500 motorists in Colombo have been fined for traffic violations identified via the city's CCTV system. A senior officer said that video evidence from the Traffic Division's CCTVs has been forwarded to police stations to issue fine notices to the offenders.
The police launched a special program on January 22 aimed at identifying traffic violators through CCTV. The enforcement of fines began on February 1.
Traffic offences captured include lane violations, ignoring traffic lights, parking in no-parking areas, and running red lights. Initially, around 100 drivers were fined daily. However, there has been a significant reduction in violations as drivers have become more aware of the surveillance.
The officer noted some incidents of vehicles with fake number plates. These cases have been reported to the respective police stations for investigation.
Most violations were committed by motorcycle riders, three-wheel drivers, and bus drivers. Details of offences are sent to both the police station where the violation occurred and the station where the vehicle owner resides, allowing offenders to pay fines at either location.
The police are upgrading the CCTV system and developing a mobile app to monitor footage from cameras installed by businesses and residences, with the owners' consent. This footage will be limited to views of main roads and public areas.
