New AI-powered cameras to catch traffic violators

MUSCAT: More AI-powered cameras are being installed to catch seat belt violations as well as speed and other traffic violations, as part of the Royal Oman Police's (ROP) upgradation of traffic surveillance infrastructure with advanced AI-powered smart cameras to monitor, detect and issue fines for multiple traffic violations simultaneously.
Speaking to the Observer, an official from the Traffic Department said that the systems use Artificial Intelligence and 4D radar to identify violations without human intervention, capable of detecting infractions even in low light, and are currently in the installation phase. These smart systems were undergoing trials during the past few months and are activated in phases to curb rising accidents.
“These cameras, activated using AI, are capable of multi-violation detection which means that while one camera can detect speeding, the other can detect if the people inside are not wearing a seatbelt, or if the driver is holding a mobile phone, and if the vehicle is tailgating. They are in the installation phase, and further details can't be disclosed,” he said, adding that, “However, a video will be released and shared before the devices are fully activated.”
According to the source, these cameras are being installed on major highways and at key traffic signal intersections in Muscat. These cameras, with a 24-hour notification system for fines, can detect if the driver is holding a phone or not wearing a seat belt and update the vehicle owner simultaneously.
These systems can also verify the status of vehicle insurance and update the authorities for violations and activate instant measures against the offenders.
These high-end cameras, currently being installed on highways, are said to be having a standard 20 km/hour buffer and minimum penalties include RO 20 for speeding, but violations 50-80 km/hour over the limit can result in fines of RO 35-50.