Kochi: Traffic violation has become rampant with the increase in the number of vehicles across the State.

With the government increasing penalty for various violations manifold, the police have embarked on a drive to nab maximum offenders to help the government swell its earnings.

But, surveillance cameras installed by the local bodies and police are not enough to keep track of vehicle movement. Also, it is financially unviable for police or bodies to maintain cameras at all points.

Most of the violation take place in major cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode.

The traffic police is Kozhikode has devised its own programme to nab offenders where plans are to nab maximum law breakers using the data collected from the surveillance system operated by private agencies and individual homes.

About a few months back, police had circulated notices alerting people to obey traffic rules or get prepared to pay penalty in the city.

The plan named ‘cctv vigil’ has invited people to send photo or video clippings of vehicles causing the violation. This has become a big hit, even shocking police.

A total of 8,986 complaints were received and police earned of Rs 5,40,300 as penalty.

People can send photo or video to police Whatsup and also give details like place and time of occurrence at 6238488686.

Helmetless, one-way, three occupants on two-wheelers, noise polluting silencers, wrong parking, speeding and traffic block are things that the general public can inform police.

Sources in traffic police told The Covai Post that it was a big hit as public cooperation was tremendous.

A large number of complaints are pouring in and it has helped to bring down traffic violations, the sources said.

The State witnessed 4,199 deaths in 2018, when its was 4,131 in 2017. The number of those grievously injured was 31,611 in 2018 against 29,733 in 2017.

A total of 91,444 people were injured seriously in three years in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

The government decision to act strong by imposing heavy penalty against drunk driving during the last few years has helped tremendously in lowering accidents.