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Starting March 12, Kazakhstan has implemented new regulations for the automatic detection of traffic violations, significantly expanding the capabilities of its surveillance system. Drivers will now face increased scrutiny as information systems and road cameras can identify infractions without direct police intervention.

Expanded Violation Detection

Previously, traffic cameras were limited to detecting only six types of offenses. The updated system, however, now monitors a broader spectrum of violations. This includes offenses like using a mobile phone while driving and not wearing a seatbelt. Furthermore, the system integrates with national databases to automatically verify the validity of insurance policies, technical inspection status, and driver's license expiration dates.

Automated Enforcement and Accountability

When the system detects a violation and identifies the responsible party, penalties can be issued without the immediate presence of law enforcement. Typically, fines are assigned to the vehicle's owner. However, provisions exist for owners to be absolved of responsibility if they can prove that another individual was driving the vehicle at the time of the infraction or if the vehicle was reported stolen.

Goals of Digitalization

The Ministry of Internal Affairs states that the primary objective behind these changes is to enhance road safety, prevent violations, and ultimately reduce the number of severe consequences on the roads. By leveraging new technologies, authorities aim to identify risky driving behaviors promptly, thereby mitigating threats to citizens' lives and health.

Officials have also clarified that the cameras are designed exclusively to monitor vehicle-related violations and will not automatically penalize pedestrians.

Advanced Surveillance in Almaty

Almaty is at the forefront of developing these advanced surveillance systems. The city has invested billions of tenge in video monitoring services. The Target EYE platform, for instance, is capable of recognizing vehicle license plates, tracking vehicle movements, and even identifying individuals.

Across Kazakhstan, at least 111,000 cameras equipped with artificial intelligence elements are now operational in various regions.

Smart Traffic Infrastructure

Beyond cameras, Kazakhstan is also introducing 'smart' traffic lights and road detection systems. The 'JolQal.ai' project in Almaty utilizes special equipment on emergency and bus vehicles to identify potholes and road defects, transmitting this data to a central database. This initiative aims to expedite road condition monitoring and assist city services in systematically identifying and addressing infrastructure issues.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.