New Speed Cameras on Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway to Curb Over-Speeding

If you’ve driven on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway recently, you might have noticed heightened concerns over speeding and safety. The highway has faced scrutiny due to traffic violations, accidents, and fatalities since its launch.

But here’s some encouraging news: authorities have taken a significant step towards improving safety. They’ve installed 60 new cameras along the highway to tackle “sectional over-speeding” and catch those who ignore speed limits.

How Does It Work?

The traffic and road safety wing of the Karnataka police has installed 48 radar-based Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at six spots in each direction, costing around Rs 3.5 crore. These cameras are designed to detect when a vehicle exceeds speed limits and automatically issue a traffic challan.

The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has also added video cameras at three spots in each direction. These radar-based cameras cover service roads as well, ensuring that violators are detected and fined accordingly.

Sectional Speed Tracking Technology

What makes these cameras stand out is their use of sectional speed tracking technology. According to Additional Director General of Police (Traffic and Road Safety and Training), Alok Kumar, the cameras calculate the time it takes for a vehicle to travel between two camera poles. If a vehicle is traveling faster than allowed over that distance, it will be flagged, and an automatic challan will be issued.

For instance, the maximum speed limit on this highway is set at 100 kmph. If a vehicle covers the distance between two poles faster than allowed—say, within 12 minutes—the system will identify the speeding violation and issue a fine.

Focus on Accident-Prone Areas

The authorities have strategically placed cameras at high-risk areas such as Gananguru, Ramanagara, Channapatna, and Maddur, while ensuring comprehensive coverage along the highway. This approach prevents drivers from simply slowing down when they see a camera, requiring them to maintain a consistent, legal speed throughout their journey.

A Message from ADGP Alok Kumar

On social media, ADGP Alok Kumar emphasized the critical nature of this new system. He pointed out that overspeeding is responsible for 90% of fatal accidents, and in a recent check, 155 drivers were caught speeding at over 130 kmph on this highway.

Starting August 1st, FIRs will be registered against any vehicle driving over 130 kmph anywhere in Karnataka for rash and dangerous driving. The highway’s speed limit is set at 100 kmph with a 5% error margin, meaning fines will be imposed for speeds over 105 kmph. Exceeding 130 kmph will lead to more severe penalties.

Over speeding causes 90% of fatal accidents
On Bangalore-Mysore Highway yesterday 155 persons sped at more than 130 Kmph
Recording Spot & Sectional Speed both
From 1st Aug FIR to be registered for Vehicles driving above 130 Kmph anywhere in Karnataka,for rash & dangerous driving pic.twitter.com/yg7t7j8RrT

— alok kumar (@alokkumar6994) July 26, 2024

What Does This Mean for You?

The objective is clear: enhancing safety for all highway users. Next time you’re on the Bengaluru-Mysuru Highway, keep your speed in check. It’s not just about avoiding fines—it’s about ensuring a safe journey for everyone.

Drive safely and adhere to the speed limits!