Seychelles will introduce a digital traffic enforcement pilot project over eight weeks to improve road safety in the island nation, a senior official announced.
In a recent interview following a Cabinet of Ministers meeting at State House, Vice President Ahmed Afif she outlined the government’s plans for the initiative.
The pilot project will be implemented in Roche Caiman, an eastern district of Mahé, where technology will be used to detect traffic violations, including speeding, mobile phone use, and failure to wear seat belts.
“The government has already approved the principle for the trial; all that remains is for the Department of Transport to contact the consul to inform the company to go ahead,” stated Afif.
Arnold Chetty, the Seychelles consul in Australia, has been liaising with Acusensus, an Australian company that will provide the necessary technology.
“The company is interested in running the project on a pilot basis, which means it will not cost the country anything to implement,” Afif explained.
During the pilot, drivers committing traffic infractions will be captured on camera and will immediately receive a notification about their violation.
“There will not be anyone there to arrest the person; they will only receive a message informing them of what infraction they have committed, and there will be a fine to pay,” Afif elaborated. “We will have to determine where to place the cameras and other instruments, as the two countries are different in layout and requirements.”
Officials anticipate that the measure will help reduce operational costs for the police force.
Throughout the trial, authorities will fine-tune the technology to address local needs, with the system’s effectiveness evaluated for potential long-term use. Insights gained from the project will help shape future infrastructure planning and enforcement strategies.
“This will provide the government with valuable information, as we are seeing more cases of people driving without a valid license and other illegal activities on the roads,” Afif added.
Should the trial prove successful, Seychelles may consider a commercial agreement to adopt the system permanently. The Ministry of Transport will also review business models and legislative requirements to facilitate a transition to digital enforcement, using the trial’s findings as a guide.
In parallel, Seychelles is embarking on a broader digital surveillance initiative. President Wavel Ramkalawan recently announced that, following his visit to China, Seychelles will receive CCTV systems from China to enhance public safety.
