Automated Fine Of ₹10,000 For Expired PUC In Pune Petrol Pumps

Drivers in Pune check your PUCs. The city is implementing a new automated system to tackle the problem of people driving around with expired PUC. This has been pushed under the reason - control of air pollution caused by vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates. Debatable…This system, currently under development, will automatically issue fines to offenders directly at petrol pumps.

How does it work?

Petrol pumps in Pune will now be equipped with advanced cameras that can automatically read and track vehicle registration numbers. The system will then seamlessly check the PUC status of each vehicle, regardless of whether it runs on petrol or diesel. If a vehicle's PUC certificate is found to be expired, the driver will be hit with a hefty fine of ₹10,000 delivered directly to their registered mobile phone. To prevent accidental penalties, the system will also send out automated alerts reminding drivers to renew their PUC certificate well in advance, providing them with a short grace period to avoid the fine.

This initiative aims to address the widespread issue of drivers neglecting to renew their PUC certificates. PUC certificates ensure vehicles meet emission standards, and a lack of proper maintenance can contribute significantly to air pollution.

What result is expected?

This automated system tackles air pollution from two angles. Firstly, automatically identifying and penalising vehicles with expired PUC certificates, discourages drivers from neglecting their vehicles' maintenance. Well-maintained vehicles emit fewer pollutants, leading to cleaner air for everyone. Secondly, the system reduces the need for manual traffic stops for PUC checks. This should technically free up police resources for other important duties. It should not be a hindrance for people who do a regular PUC check and have their documents updated.

The effectiveness of the new system in catching all offenders remains to be seen. The usage of fancy number plates with non-english numerals is rampant and this might be the loophole for certain users. Additionally, the ₹10,000 fine is a hefty sum for those who would not even spend that much on fuel each month. While the penalty aims to be a deterrent, some may find it financially burdensome, particularly for those who unintentionally forget to renew their PUC certificate.

Other Automated fine systems

Pune's initiative is not the only one aiming to improve air quality and road safety in India. In the southern state of Kerala, the Government has implemented a similar automated system to address a different traffic violation - not wearing a helmet. Kerala has installed AI-powered cameras across the state to detect riders without helmets and issue fines directly. These cameras can also identify other traffic violations like using a mobile phone while driving or tripling on a two-wheeler.

While the effectiveness of Kerala's helmet camera system is still being evaluated, both initiatives highlight India's growing focus on stricter traffic enforcement through automation. Pune's automated PUC fine system is a significant technological advancement. Now the question remains whether it will catch the actual violators or prove burdensome for unaware users.