Ponnani: CCTV cameras installed on National Highway 66 have become operational. With the commencement of toll collection, fines will be imposed for traffic violations caught on camera. Authorities have indicated that toll collection will begin by the end of next month at Vattapara in Malappuram. A total of 116 cameras have been installed across two reaches in Malappuram district.

A total of 58 cameras are installed from Valanchery to Kappirikkad and another 58 from Idimuzhikkal to Valanchery. Among these, about 60 are 360-degree cameras. The 29 cameras between Valanchery and Kappirikkad are capable of capturing panoramic views. Cameras are placed at every kilometre, as well as at junctions and entry/exit points.

Two control rooms have been set up at Vettichira and Kuttippuram, staffed 24/7 to monitor the footage. When violations are detected, the visuals are handed over to the Motor Vehicle Department. Digital boards displaying vehicle speed will be installed every five kilometres. Vehicles exceeding the speed limit will trigger a red alert on the speed display.

Strict enforcement to ensure compliance

The cameras will not only operate when vehicles exceed speed limits but will also capture vehicles stopped for more than three minutes anywhere on the highway. Speeding, wrong lane driving, and not wearing seat belts are among the violations recorded.

Three types of cameras installed

Besides cameras used for detecting speeding vehicles, two other types are installed on the highway. Special cameras at entry and exit points monitor vehicles entering six-lane sections and exiting them.

These are Vehicle Incident Detection System cameras, which also capture footage if accidents occur or vehicles deviate from their lanes. Unauthorised vehicles entering the highway will also be recorded. Another unique feature is the 360-degree pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, which monitor vehicle parking and road crossing.

Speed limit set at 80 km/h, not 100

Despite the highway being six-lane, the maximum speed limit is currently set at 80 km/h, not 100 km/h as some might assume. Entry and exit points have a stricter limit of 50 km/h.

No pedestrians or two-wheelers allowed

Pedestrians, two-wheelers, auto-rickshaws and tractors are prohibited from using the six-lane highway. However, in areas without service roads, these vehicles and pedestrians may use the highway, but crossing the road on foot or otherwise is prohibited.