‘There is greater traffic compliance in city now’

[Instances of] jumping [of] signals even in the absence of a traffic policeman has come down. Many are not crossing the stop-line. Earlier, people had to be vigorously persuaded to follow these basic rules- Jitender Additional Commissioner (Traffic)

Aditional commissionar of police (Traffic ) Jitender in Hyderabad. File Photo.

His is calm and patient while dealing with the public and equally composed with sub-ordinates though he handles the city’s chaotic traffic. Hyderabad Traffic Police Additional Commissioner Jitender is keen that the public is not inconvenienced. Non-contact enforcement of rules is the latest move. Excerpts from an interview he gave

MARRI RAMU recently.

How can the traffic police help to avert incidents such as the recent death of a housewife who was washed away in a nala at Secunderabad?

We are not directly involved in infrastructure works like maintaining nalas or roads. Still, we’re doing our bit by surveying all roads. Our men identify dangerous nalas, potholes and manholes without covers on roads and encroachment of pavements. Info on heaps of garbage and debris on roads causing traffic congestions is also collected on a daily basis. A detailed note with specific details on all these points is being sent to the GHMC for action.

How have road accident deaths come down considerably?

It cannot be attributed to a single factor, but the drive against drink-driving has played a crucial role. During inspections we spare none. Imprisonments given to some by courts are deterring many from driving in an inebriated condition. By improving roads and junctions and making people follow rules, accidents must be reduced further.

How do you plan to make motorists comply with traffic rules?

The compliance level of people has gone up considerably. [Instances of] jumping [of] signals even in the absence of a traffic policeman has come down. Many are not crossing the stop-line. Earlier, people had to be vigorously persuaded to follow these basic rules.

Why was the fining of drivers during peak hours stopped?

It is part of attempts to make traffic regulation more effective and hassle-free for both the police and public. By doing so, policemen can focus on streamlining flow of vehicles while people too are relieved from tension of being intercepted while heading to offices or returning home.

Can you elaborate on non-contact enforcement?

Instead of stopping vehicles physically, we decided to send challans to drivers violating rules, along with photographic evidence. When parked at ‘no-parking’ zones, we use wheel clamps to make the vehicle immobile. Now, we take a picture and send a challan to the vehicle-owner. If a vehicle is towed away, a cone is left there with details on whom to contact.

How can the traffic police help to avert incidents such as the recent death of a housewife who was washed away in a nala at Secunderabad?

We are not directly involved in infrastructure works like maintaining nalas or roads. Still, we’re doing our bit by surveying all roads. Our men identify dangerous nalas, potholes and manholes without covers on roads and encroachment of pavements. Info on heaps of garbage and debris on roads causing traffic congestions is also collected on a daily basis. A detailed note with specific details on all these points is being sent to the GHMC for action.

How have road accident deaths come down considerably?

It cannot be attributed to a single factor, but the drive against drink-driving has played a crucial role. During inspections we spare none. Imprisonments given to some by courts are deterring many from driving in an inebriated condition. By improving roads and junctions and making people follow rules, accidents must be reduced further.

How do you plan to make motorists comply with traffic rules?

The compliance level of people has gone up considerably. [Instances of] jumping [of] signals even in the absence of a traffic policeman has come down. Many are not crossing the stop-line. Earlier, people had to be vigorously persuaded to follow these basic rules.

Why was the fining of drivers during peak hours stopped?

It is part of attempts to make traffic regulation more effective and hassle-free for both the police and public. By doing so, policemen can focus on streamlining flow of vehicles while people too are relieved from tension of being intercepted while heading to offices or returning home.

Can you elaborate on non-contact enforcement?

Instead of stopping vehicles physically, we decided to send challans to drivers violating rules, along with photographic evidence. When parked at ‘no-parking’ zones, we use wheel clamps to make the vehicle immobile.

Now, we take a picture and send a challan to the vehicle-owner. If a vehicle is towed away, a cone is left there with details on whom to contact.

hyderabaddesk@thehindu.co.in; www.facebook.com/HydConnect

Many are not crossing the stop-line. Earlier, people had to be vigorously persuaded to follow rules- Jitender Additional Commissioner (Traffic)