Traffic police launch awareness drive on revised fine amounts

They are stopping motorists and handing over pamphlets with a message to follow rules

As part of the campaign, all personnel have been told to focus on creating awareness rather than penalising violators.

The traffic police are busy with awareness campaigns to inform motorists about the revised fines, which will be implemented from July 20.

Traffic policemen deployed at the entry and exit points, and also at major junctions across the city, are stopping motorists and handing over pamphlets with a message to follow traffic rules.

"Our aim is to create awareness on traffic rules and ensure all motorists follow them rather than collect hefty fines," said Additional Commissioner of Police (traffic) P. Harishekaran, adding that it is also important that people get to know about the revised fines for various violations.

As part of the campaign, all the traffic policemen have been told to focus on creating awareness rather than penalising violators.

They have also been told to put up signboards at major junctions on the fatal and non-fatal accidents reported in the last three years. This would help reduce road accidents to a certain extent, a senior police officer said.

Jitin Vincent, a software engineer with an MNC, alleged on the traffic department’s website that the traffic police is more focussed on collecting money rather than enforcing rules.

Umashankar Puttaswamappa, a manager with a private firm, said that the traffic police demand half the fine amount without receipt. “Revised fine amounts will help the traffic police rather than serve its purpose,” he said in his post.

However, senior officials clarified that they conduct surprise checks frequently in response to alleged bribery charges. The towing staff and police personnel have been directed to follow rules and not be harsh on violators, Mr. Harishekharan said.