Sri Vijaya Puram, April 24: Concerns over rising road safety risks and weak enforcement mechanisms have triggered a formal demand for the introduction of a camera-based overspeed challan system across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands following a recent fatal hit-and-run incident.
In a representation addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Secretary, and Deputy Commissioner of South Andaman, N. K. Udhaya Kumar, State General Secretary (Organisation) of Hindu Rashtra Shakti and former Chairperson of SVPMC, called for urgent implementation of automated speed monitoring systems in accident-prone and sensitive zones.
The appeal follows a recent incident near Sri Vijaya Puram, where a volunteer associated with Vishwa Hindu Parishad died after being hit by an unidentified speeding vehicle while returning from a temple. The incident has been cited as indicative of broader concerns over overspeeding and negligent driving across the Union Territory.
The representation highlights that such cases are not isolated and reflect increasing risks across national highways, tourist locations, and seashore areas. It also points to heightened vulnerability in zones with high pedestrian movement, including areas near DJ venues, bars, spa centres, religious places, playgrounds, and educational institutions such as schools, colleges, and tuition centres.
The absence of a robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism in these areas has been identified as a key factor contributing to unsafe road conditions. The representation states that pedestrians, including students and daily commuters, remain exposed to risk due to lack of continuous surveillance and enforcement of speed limits.
To address these concerns, the proposal calls for the installation of automated speed detection cameras integrated with an e-challan system under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Such a system is expected to function as a deterrent against traffic violations and improve compliance with road safety regulations.
The suggested framework includes deployment of cameras across accident-prone locations, major intersections, highways, tourist destinations, and areas with high footfall. The system is also intended to reduce reliance on manual policing and introduce greater accountability among vehicle operators.
The representation stresses that repeated fatalities linked to reckless driving are preventable and require immediate administrative intervention. It calls for strengthening of road safety infrastructure to ensure protection of both residents and visitors in the islands.
Authorities have been urged to take prompt action to implement the proposed system and address existing enforcement gaps. The demand adds to ongoing concerns regarding road safety management in the Union Territory.
