The city is all set to go hi-tech to enforce traffic rules and check violations. Around Christmas, the Delhi traffic police will bring in the Automatic Number Plate Reader (ANPR). This device will help apprehend traffic violators on the road itself.

The ANPR is a camera-fitted number plate reader which is linked to a network, and once a motorist violates a rule, nearby officials are immediately apprised of it alongwith vehicle and driver details. The device sends out an alarm, which is recieved by traffic personnel in the closest outpost via the network. The device itself will be of two types - mobile and static. As many as 98,000 violations are pending fines in the past six months.

"The mobile ANPR will be deployed on routes wherever it is deemed necessary while the static one will be mounted on a pole. Teen Murti Marg has been identified for setting up a static ANPR," joint commissioner of police (traffic) Satyendra Garg told Governance Now.

As of now, the traffic department issues noices to violators, with a six months deadline to pay the fine. In case they fail to pay, the matter is forwarded to a court and the case just drags on. However, with state-of-the art  technology, the department hopes to book offenders on the roads itself.  It is expected to also help in clearing violation-fines pendency. The device will also keep track of violators jumping fine payment.

Presently, the city has two such - devices one static and one mobile. Each device is priced between Rs 8 and 10 lakh. The traffic department is currently running pilots, and if they are successful, a dozen more ANPRs will be acquired for Delhi roads.

"The system will be implemented by December 25," Garg informed.