BODY-WORN cameras with traf fic police personnel in Maharashtra is going to be a real ty soon as the Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stated that the system will be rolled out in phas es, beginning with major cities across the state. Fadnavis made this announce ment in the Legislative Council on Wednesday. Fadnavis also announced that traffic cops with body-worn cameras will be authorised to issue challans for traffic rule violations. Fadnavis was replying to ques tions raised by members from both the ruling and opposition benches during question hour.

 

The legislators objected to traf fic police personnel using private mobile phones to issue e-chal lans, calling for greater trans parency and accountability. “The Government will work on equip ping traffic police with Body Worn Cameras in phases. Like Goa, only those police personnel with BWCs can issue challans,” the Chief Minister said. The Chief Minister added that a dedicated system will be developed within six months to ensure the recovery of fines from chal lans after they are issued.

 

He also announced the formation of a committeeled by a senior offi cer to study global and inter state best practices related to the use of technology in traffic enforcement. “A team, to be led by a senior officer, will study the practices around the world and different states related to the use of technology. Based on its recommendations, a policy will be intro duced in the next three months,” Fadnavis added.