Auto-rickshaws expose gaps in capital’s AI-based traffic management

Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has introduced a modern artificial intelligence (AI)-based traffic management system in an effort to restore discipline on the capital’s roads. 

Advanced AI cameras have been installed at key intersections and busy roads to automatically detect traffic violations, including jumping red lights, crossing stop lines, driving against traffic, occupying zebra crossings, failing to wear seatbelts, riding motorcycles without helmets, and illegal parking.

While the technology-driven monitoring system has encouraged bus, truck, private car, and motorcycle drivers to become more compliant with traffic laws, auto-rickshaws have emerged as a major challenge, raising questions about the effectiveness of the entire initiative.

Visits to different roads across the capital found that while other vehicles are attempting to follow traffic regulations out of fear of AI-generated cases, auto-rickshaws continue operating recklessly. Violations such as ignoring traffic signals, driving on the wrong side of the road, occupying zebra crossings, and speeding on major roads remain common.

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The key issue, officials say, is that many auto-rickshaws lack digital number plates or registration systems. As a result, AI cameras are unable to identify them, preventing any automated legal action.

Wrong-way auto-rickshaw movement was observed on major routes, including the 300 Feet Road, Kuril-Badda Road, Agargaon, Mirpur, Pallabi, Gulistan, and Moghbazar areas. In many cases, these three-wheelers were seen traveling at speeds exceeding 30 kilometers per hour, increasing accident risks.

Last Sunday night in the Notun Bazar area, a speeding auto-rickshaw traveling in the wrong direction nearly collided head-on with a motorcycle. A serious accident was avoided only because the motorcyclist applied sudden brakes.

In addition, auto-rickshaws continue to occupy intersections across the city, contributing significantly to traffic congestion.

According to DMP sources, AI-based traffic monitoring began in the capital on May 7. Within the first week alone, more than 300 digital cases were filed. Cameras installed at Shahbagh, Banglamotor, Karwan Bazar, Bijoy Sarani, the InterContinental intersection, and Airport Road automatically identify vehicle number plates and collect photos and video evidence of traffic violations.

The system then generates digital cases through software and sends notices directly to vehicle owners’ mobile phones. Authorities say drivers have become increasingly cautious, with many correcting habitual violations after receiving notices.

However, concerns remain over the inability to bring auto-rickshaws under control, particularly because they are widely viewed as one of the most disorderly vehicles on city roads.

Dhaka Metropolitan Police Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Anisur Rahman said vehicles without number plates cannot be identified by AI systems. He added that efforts are underway to bring all types of vehicles under legal accountability and indicated that stronger action against battery-powered rickshaws would be taken after Eid.

Experts believe that restoring order on city roads will require more than technological solutions. Without effectively regulating uncontrolled auto-rickshaws, they argue, even expensive AI systems may fail to deliver the desired discipline on Dhaka’s streets.

Source : bd-pratidin