Driver jumps a signal, car auto-reports violation

Promising a 30% reduction in road congestion, a Bengaluru-based startup has now approached the government to launch an intelligent traffic system that lets cars and bikes report violations automatically, alerting sensor-equipped intersections. Every time the driver jumps a signal, overspeeds or even shifts a lane, the system will get to work.

Here’s how it unfolds: An Internet of Things (IoT) device installed in the car’s ignition battery alerts the RFID sensor fitted into the signalled junction or a Road Side Unit (RSU). The sensor instantly relays the message to a central server, triggering quick action. The traffic violator could potentially be stopped right at the next junction.

Proposed by the startup, AGMA Technologies, this Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) is a spin-off from the ongoing research on Driverless Cars. Essentially, the System works through an onboard Vehicle Identification Device (VID), embedded to the vehicle’s ignition battery, the startup co-founder Mallikarjunaiah H M explained to DH.

The device, equipped with a Machine to Machine (M2M) eSIM, communicates with the RSU using 5G technology. BSNL is ready to test 5G use for transport modernisation by the year-end. The VID will be tamper-proof and tagged with the vehicle’s chassis number.

Device retro-fit

The VID, also called the IoT battery, could be retrofitted into all cars and two-wheelers when the dead ignition battery is replaced every three to five years. This could also be pre-installed in the vehicle at the time of manufacturing, Mallikarjunaiah said.

The system can also help synchronise traffic signals based on peak and non-peak hours. Control rooms could alter the signal light time based on working days and holiday. The signals could also be programmed to remain green for additional time for free passage of ambulances, fire tenders and VIP vehicles.

Currently, the city traffic police operates a semi-automated system, managed manually or through traffic signals fitted with surveillance cameras. However, these are not foolproof. The cameras often fail to capture the image of a vehicle’s registration place due to heavy rain, low visibility during night time and in winter, bumper to bumper driving and high vehicular speeds.

NITI Aayog had suggested to the Central Government that Artificial Intelligence (AI) with ITS will reduce traffic congestion. Mallikarjunaiah, who recently presented the concept to the Deputy Chief Minister’s office, said if approved and funded, a pilot can be launched within the six months at 10 to 15 signalled junctions in the city.