The Chennai Traffic Police on Monday launched a novel scheme to inform road-users of latest traffic updates.
Launching the ‘Chennai Traffic SMS Update through FM Radios’ facility, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), M. Shakeel Akhter said, the objective of the scheme is to inform the commuters of traffic congestion or problems, if any.
Free flow of vehicles
“Our mandate is to minimise road accidents and ensure a hassle-free flow of vehicles. It is essential to keep the public posted of traffic congestion on important routes so that they can plan their travel accordingly. We have tied up with 13 FM Radio Channels to broadcast such information,” he said.
“When it rains, some subways and roads get inundated. Traffic updates on FM radio will keep listeners informed of such obstructions. Even those listening to the radio at home can inform their friends and relatives going to or returning from work.”
Mr. Akhter said efforts were on to give traffic updates to the FM channels through SMS. About 40,000 cases were registered against those using irregular number plates in the city. An equal number of cases were booked against autorickshaw drivers for not using meters or demanding excess fare customers.
“We are registering cases against autorickshaw drivers on our own through random checks. The people should come forward and lodge complaints in such offences. So far 458 autorickshaws have been seized and handed over to the Transport Department for further action,” he said.
Deputy Commissioners of Police, S. Manoharan (North), Jaya Gowri (Central) and M.S. Muthusamy (South) were present.
