ERVs equipped with advanced cameras hit city roads

Initially two vehicles with modern technology have been deployed on trial basis

KARACHI:

Two Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs), equipped with advanced cameras, have been deployed on a trial basis as part of the Safe City Project (SCP).

The vehicles are equipped with seven state-of-the-art cameras, each with a resolution of 12 megapixels. Six of the cameras installed in these vehicles possess advanced features, like reading number plates and facial identification. Additionally, a roof-mounted camera has a 360-degree rotational capability. Initially, the vehicles will be deployed in the Defence Housing Authority areas, with each unit staffed by a commander and a team of three personnel. The commander will have a tablet connected to the cameras and the central command as well as the control room.

In-charge Operation SCP Shehbaz Mughal told The Express Tribune that under the SCP, a total of 23 vehicles equipped with advanced cameras will be deployed in various areas and major roads across the city. The cameras are equipped with night vision capability and can function effectively in low-light conditions. They are capable of reading reading vehicle number plates and recognising faces. He further added that the SCP is connected to NADRA and the Excise Department. As soon as a suspicious person or a vehicle with fake number plate passes in front of a vehicle equipped with cameras, it will be identified and information will be sent immediately to the relevant police station. Along with the internet, the vehicle also has wireless sets. In case of any network problems, the relevant police station will be informed on the wireless.

He further said that no specific space will be allocated to these vehicles, they will be parked wherever they are needed. The SCP in-charge said that under the Safe City Project, a total of 1,300 modern cameras will be installed across the city, out of which 100 modern cameras have already been made operational, while 300 new poles are to be installed, for which more than 15 poles have been installed in different areas of the city.