The Central Java Police is launching drones to capture traffic violations from the sky in the first trial of its kind in Indonesia.
The newest gadget in traffic law enforcement’s arsenal comes equipped with a camera and police lights. The drone, which is operated by an officer trained by the Indonesian Drone Pilots Association, is able to capture images of traffic violations and send them to the Electronic Traffic Law Enforcement (E-TLE) control center for the enforcement of fines and tickets.
“[The drone can capture violations like] motorists not wearing helmets, driving against the flow of traffic, expired or fake license plates, driving without a seatbelt, and using the phone while driving,” Central Java Police Traffic Director Agus Suryonugroho said.
The trial is currently being conducted in the Central Java capital of Semarang, with the National Police setting sights on nationwide enforcement in the future.
Just like violations caught using regular static cameras in the police’s E-TLE system, motorists who find themselves snapped by traffic drones will get a digital notification for their warning or their fine. Those who fail to pay their fine after a certain period of time may have their vehicle registration suspended.
Yes, that means no paying bribes directly to the drones.
One would hope that the novelty for drones has worn off in the past few years, so drivers won’t be too distracted by the sight of the traffic drones and continue to keep their eyes on the road.
