Traffic police won’t flag down motorists for random checks

City police chief’s bid to boost the image of the force and project it as people-friendly

Motorists can heave a sigh of relief as it’s unlikely that they will be stopped by the traffic police unless they are breaking the law.

Soon after assuming charge, Police Commissioner Praveen Sood directed the traffic police not to conduct random checks on motorists in a bid to boost the image of the force and project it as people-friendly.

The directive reiterates that traffic police should not stop motorists to check their documents unless there is a violation on their part. “Often, traffic police flag down motorists without a reason,” said a police officer. This can not only lead to harassment but also gives the traffic police a bad name.”

This move has not gone down well with several traffic police officers who feel that it will have an adverse effect on their special drives.

“During checks for drunk driving, we stop almost every motorist. While it’s true that many motorists may not be inebriated, we have no option but to check each one. What if they file a complaint alleging harassment,” said one officer.

In 2009, when he was Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic) in Bengaluru, Mr. Sood had issued written directions to traffic personnel against unnecessary checking of documents. In fact, he had categorically instructed the force that a motorist should be stopped only if he has violated the law. At that time, Mr. Sood had warned traffic police of strict action if they were found harassing motorists.