AI cameras to auto-fine traffic violators on Dhaka-Chittagong highway

From upcoming Tuesday, a total of 1,427 AI-powered cameras will monitor the entire Dhaka-Chittagong highway, automatically detecting traffic violations and issuing fines under a new system being launched by the Highway Police.

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed will inaugurate the “Auto Fine System” in the Sonargaon area of Narayanganj. 

The technology-based initiative aims to strengthen security and enforce traffic discipline on one of the country’s busiest highways.

Under the system, the cameras will identify offences including speeding, illegal parking, driving against the flow of traffic and other violations. 

Details of each case will be sent automatically by SMS to the registered mobile number of the vehicle owner. Owners can then pay the fine through mobile financial services following the prescribed procedure.

Highway Police officials said the system will enable rapid detection of violations, secure storage of evidence, and a faster, more transparent and accurate process for collecting fines. They expect it to boost compliance with traffic laws, improve discipline on the highway and help reduce accidents. 

The force has called for cooperation from passengers, transport owners and workers.

Additional Inspector General of Highway Police Faruk Ahmed held discussions with transport owners and workers’ representatives on August 1 at Cumilla Circuit House. 

He announced that AI cameras were being installed this month to enhance road safety and curb violations. The same day he inspected congestion at Nimsar Bazar in Cumilla and met officials from the district administration, police, LGED and the Roads and Highways Department to discuss solutions.

The system follows a similar pilot in the capital. According to Dhaka Metropolitan Police’s traffic department, AI cameras were tested at various intersections from May 7. By June 30, a total of 1,500 cases had been filed. Cameras are now operating at 19 intersections (up from an earlier 15), with more planned at key points across the city. 

The cameras automatically detect speeding, dangerous lane changes, riding without helmets, illegal parking and obstruction of traffic before generating digital cases.