The Chennai Traffic Police now have more eyes on the road to help them book traffic violators — it is not just the CCTV cameras, but also residents armed with mobile phones. They have started issuing challans to violators based on pictures posted on social media by the public.
After years, the Chennai Traffic Police have finally joined the bandwagon when it comes to taking action based on complaints filed on social media. Over the last few days, the police have been issuing challans to violators based on pictures posted on their twitter handle, @CCTPolice_Alert, and this is done only after proper verification.
The Chennai City Traffic Police started its twitter handle in June 2017 and have 8,975 followers. Though they have been posting regular traffic updates, important announcements and awareness videos, it was seldom used as a platform for receiving complaints and taking action against them. “We have fined two parking violators in Mylapore. And much to our surprise, the number of followers increased by over 1,000 after this,” says a police officer. The person who posted one of the first pictures on twitter, about the parking violation on South Mada Street, is also happy. “Action was taken just in a day’s time after I posted the picture. I never expected such prompt action. I have now asked my friends too to post on the traffic police’s twitter handle,” says Varsha Murali from Mylapore.
However, not all photos will be acted upon. “We will verify the complaint with our CCTV cameras on the stretch. Only after this will action be taken,” explains A. Arun, Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic. He says the move is part of the department’s policy of contactless enforcement.
“We don’t stop violators any more. They are fined based on CCTV camera footage, social media or inputs from our personnel who note down the number and inform us,” he says.
Is this a long-lasting endeavour, is the usual question about any government initiative. “Of course it will be. We have more on the anvil,” adds another senior officer.