Panaji: The transport department is strengthening enforcement through AI-enabled traffic signal cameras that can detect suspicious, fake or altered number plates.“The cameras record a vehicle’s registration number, but the system can also capture details such as the vehicle’s colour, make, model and registration number, allowing the information to be cross-checked. If the number plate recorded by the camera does not correspond with the vehicle or otherwise appears suspicious, the vehicle can be red-flagged for further action,” transport director Arvind Khutkar told TOI.The system could also help authorities identify vehicles using fancy number plates or private vehicles being used for commercial purposes.“One of the issues that the AI-based enforcement system could help flag is the misuse of private vehicles for commercial purposes,” Khutkar said.Private vehicles are required to display prescribed white number plates, while commercial vehicles must carry the appropriate registration format. Enforcement officials said there have been instances of private vehicles allegedly being used as taxis or for other commercial purposes.“If such a vehicle is detected through the AI-enabled cameras, the information can be passed on to the RTOs for verification and further action,” Khutkar said.A practical challenge arises when a vehicle’s number plate is changed before it is intercepted. A camera may record a vehicle displaying a registration plate indicating private use, while enforcement personnel may find a different plate when they stop it.Khutkar said action in such cases must be based on evidence establishing the violation at the relevant point in time.Once a vehicle is red-flagged, authorities can issue a notice to its registered owner or intercept it when it is detected again.“If a particular vehicle is repeatedly detected at locations across Goa over an extended period, the accumulated data could potentially be used to flag the vehicle for verification,” he said.“The system records the registration number as well as the vehicle’s make, model and colour, enabling authorities to identify the same vehicle when it appears repeatedly. Once sufficient evidence is available, a notice can be issued to the owner,” he added.
