AI traffic cameras face criticism for wrongful fines due to system slips

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The recent deployment of AIequipped cameras at traffic signals and along major roads, including the Bengaluru-Mysore Expressway, has raised concerns among motorists due to numerous reports of “incorrect” fines.

Designed to monitor traffic violations such as speeding and seatbelt use, these cameras are meant to act as vigilant eyes for the police. However, a series of operational errors have questioned their reliability.

A recent Reddit post highlighted a growing issue when a Bengaluru driver was fined by an AI camera for allegedly not wearing a seatbelt, despite clearly wearing one. The error occurred because the seatbelt's colour matched the driver's shirt, causing the AI system to mistakenly identify it as non-compliance.

Shockingly, this mistake resulted in two separate fines. The camera's images used as evidence showed the seatbelt blending with the driver's attire, confusing the detection system.

Similar issues have been reported across India, particularly with AI cameras struggling to detect seatbelt usage in vehicles with nonstandard belt colours.

While most cars in India have black seatbelts, premium models often feature beige or lighter-coloured belts that blend with the interior, leading to wrongful fines for compliant drivers.