Opinion: Seychelles’ Digital Traffic Trial – Are We Ready for Robo-Cops on Our Roads?

Hold onto your steering wheels, Seychelles! We’re about to step into the world of digital traffic enforcement, where cameras and tech—not traffic police—will be our new road monitors. For the next eight weeks, our little island state will get a taste of futuristic traffic management in the eastern Mahe district of Roche Caiman. The goal? Catching infractions like speeding, mobile phone use, and seatbelt violations, all in the blink of a camera lens. But is this the solution we’ve been waiting for, or just a high-tech hassle?

A Trial That Costs Us Nothing—Or Does It?

Vice President Ahmed Afif recently unveiled the government’s new traffic enforcement initiative, a trial run with Australian tech company Acusensus, thanks to a connection made by our consul in Australia, Arnold Chetty. Here’s the deal: for the trial period, it won’t cost Seychelles a cent. But if this system goes permanent? You can bet the costs will add up fast, both financially and socially.

With Seychelles already poised to invest in CCTV systems from China, this trial feels like part of a broader digital surveillance wave sweeping the nation. The big question, though, is whether this tech-savvy turn will truly make our roads safer or just add to the list of grievances Seychellois drivers already face.

Real-Time Robo-Tickets: The Future or a Fine Trap?

So here’s how it works: get caught on camera committing a traffic offence, and voilà—a message lands in your inbox with a fine to pay. Convenient? Absolutely. But let’s not forget the potential downsides of this “instant justice.” Without any human discretion, these cameras won’t differentiate between someone distracted for a split second and a habitual offender.

And then there’s the “placement dilemma”—figuring out exactly where to put these cameras to avoid blind spots and maximize their reach. Afif acknowledges that setting up shop in Seychelles isn’t the same as in Australia, but there’s still the question of whether such a digital enforcement model will fit our unique local context.

Cutting Costs for the Police, But What About Us?

Authorities argue that this initiative will reduce costs for the police force. But will it? Yes, it might cut back on the need for traffic patrols, but if a permanent system is adopted, it could also mean fewer human jobs in law enforcement and more reliance on costly tech. And, more importantly, how much of the “savings” will ultimately be passed down to taxpayers? Or will drivers simply be paying the price in fines?

Plus, digital enforcement isn’t immune to glitches. What happens when the system goes haywire? Will Seychellois drivers get unjustly ticketed by a machine? And will there be an easy process for disputing these fines, or will islanders find themselves tangled up in a web of red tape?

Beyond Traffic: A Step into Full-On Surveillance?

It’s hard not to connect this digital traffic initiative with the government’s broader embrace of surveillance technology. Just recently, President Wavel Ramkalawan announced a new CCTV system, courtesy of China. Between digital enforcement and Chinese CCTV, are we entering a new era of “big brother” on the island?

Sure, surveillance has its benefits, especially when it comes to crime prevention. But if we’re heading down this path, it’s crucial to ask: what kind of checks and balances will be put in place to ensure this technology serves us and not the other way around?

Trial Today, Robo-Cop Tomorrow?

So, what’s the end game here? If all goes well, Seychelles might be looking at a permanent traffic enforcement system powered by tech, not humans. But let’s make sure we’re asking the right questions now. Are we ready to sacrifice personal discretion on the roads for high-tech monitoring? Are we okay with a system that could one day ticket us with the efficiency of a vending machine?

As this digital traffic enforcement trial kicks off, it’s important to remember that technology is only as good as the people who deploy it. Done right, this could be the beginning of a safer, more efficient Seychelles. Done wrong, it could be the start of a slippery slope toward a surveillance-heavy society.

So, Seychelles—buckle up and keep your phones down. The cameras are watching, and this is just the beginning.