Petrol pumps in Delhi to soon have technology to scan vehicle licence plates – Here’s why

Petrol pumps in Delhi will soon have cameras installed to scan vehicle registration plates. The Delhi government is planning to implement a new initiative that will help track vehicles without a valid Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) with the help of cameras at fuel stations. This move aims to tighten the checking process and issue e-challans to violators.

The checking of PUCC validity has been carried out by Delhi Traffic Police constables, but the government plans to implement a digital method. The Delhi Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation (DTIDC) has invited tenders for the project estimated to cost around ₹6 crore. The selected company will integrate its system with the government portal to issue challans to vehicles without valid PUCC.

Cameras installed at petrol pumps will identify vehicles without a valid PUCC upon entry. Attendents will alert vehicle owners to renew the certificate before issuing a challan. The system will also display PUCC status at the pump and generate a challan if the certificate has expired. The initiative aims to improve air quality by ensuring vehicles comply with pollution control norms.

The decision to implement this plan comes after the revelation that around 22 lakh vehicles in Delhi were found without a valid PUCC, with two-wheelers being the majority. Delhi has been ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world, with vehicular pollution being a significant contributor. The initiative aligns with efforts to curb pollution and improve air quality in the city.