In a bid to ensure no accidents occur on the Eastern Freeway, the Mumbai traffic police will be armed within a week with three speed guns integrated with cameras to keep a check on errant motorists who zoom away on the Freeway at speeds of 100 km/hr, when the maximum speed limit is that of 60 km/hr. The Eastern Freeway will also be getting a CCTV cover for traffic monitoring and surveillance in a few weeks. According to an official from the Pydhonie traffic division, many motorists have been driving recklessly at high speeds on the Freeway, which might result in massive accidents and major traffic jams during peak hours. “Many a times after being caught, motorists deny that they were over-speeding. Hence, the use of speed guns integrated with cameras will help us with a vital piece of documentary evidence,” he said. These speed guns will be given to Pydhonie, Tardeo and Wadala traffic divisions who have checkpoints across the Freeway. The MMRDA has agreed in-principle and will be paying for these cameras, as well as for the speed guns, said the official. When contacted, the joint commissioner of police, traffic, Vivek Phansalkar confirmed the development, but refused to elaborate further. According to the plan, the BMC, which has been looking over installation of CCTV cameras for the traffic police, will also be undertaking the work of installing the 12 proposed cameras along the Eastern Freeway.
