Sir,

I would like to bring to the attention of the traffic authorities concerned certain practical issues faced by motorists, especially senior citizens, with regard to the current camera-based seat-belt monitoring system installed on various roads.

In many situations, the cameras are unable to capture clear and accurate images from inside vehicles due to insufficient lighting conditions. This problem is particularly evident during early morning hours — before 8 am — and in the late afternoon — after 4.30 / 5 pm.

When vehicles travel with the sunlight behind them, the interior of the car appears too dark for the cameras to detect whether the driver or passenger is wearing a seat belt.

Additionally, if individuals inside the vehicle are wearing dark-coloured clothing such as black, brown or dark blue, the system often fails to distinguish the seat belt from the attire.

As a result, motorists frequently receive incorrect notices, forcing them to visit the control room to clarify the situation. This process is especially burdensome and stressful for senior citizens, who may find repeated visits inconvenient and physically taxing.

Given these challenges, I request that the authorities review the current camera-based detection process and explore solutions that can help reduce such errors. One practical suggestion is to advise traffic personnel to conduct physical verification in situations where camera footage is unclear or inadequate. 

This would ensure fairness while maintaining road safety standards.

I hope the authorities will consider these concerns and take appropriate measures to improve the system for the benefit of all motorists.

– Dr. Jamunarani V. Mirle, Mysuru, 31.12.2025

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