PATNA: The Patna traffic police have collected Rs 66 lakh in fines since the enforcement of the Motor Vehicles (Amended) Act, 2019 on September 1. Traffic SP D Amarkesh tells Faryal Rumi about the challenges the cops are facing. Excerpts:
How much fine has been collected so far?
Traffic cops have issued approximately 6,100 challans and collected Rs 66 lakh in fines since September 1. Vehicles of those, who did not pay fines, have been seized.
How challenging is the implementation of the new MV Act?
Quite challenging! Many of us were not aware of the new clauses and rules. On top of that, collecting fines from motorists is not easy as they argue with the traffic personnel sometimes. Besides, our cops faced difficulties while issuing challans through hand-held devices, which had less memory space and poor internet connectivity. We have, however, procured advance technology machines and are training our cops to use them.
Do the traffic police have sufficient manpower to ensure strict implementation of the MV Act?
There are sufficient number of traffic constables and havildars in Patna district, some of whom were deputed last month. However, we need more officers.
What is the reason behind clashes among traffic cops and motorists?
Some violators think they can get away without paying fine. Recently, a woman was issued a challan at Exhibition Road traffic intersection because she was not carrying valid documents like driving licence, registration and pollution under control certificates. She, however, refused to pay fine and instigated the commuters, who created ruckus in the city. We face similar situations on a daily basis.
What do you have to say to motorists in this regard?
I urge them to follow traffic norms and not become aggressive if they are caught for breaking rules. If they think they are right, they can get in touch with senior officials later. I also appeal to the cops to remain patient while dealing with traffic violators.
Are traffic cops given behavioural training?
Recently, we had sent a batch of 30 constables to the Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research in Aurangabad for behavioural training.
Can motorists furnish vehicle-related documents in 15 days after being issued a challan?
If the case is genuine, we give people some time to furnish valid documents.
Vehicles are being towed away from no-parking zones, but there are very few parking lots. Where will people park their vehicles?
Some commercial areas have no-parking zones only to prevent vehicular snarls. Commercial establishments should provide parking lots to their customers, students and employees. Those, who don’t do so, have been issued notices. Parking vehicles on roads is unacceptable.
Apart from U- turns and blockage of intersections, what other steps are being taken to streamline vehicular traffic in the city?
We are preparing a road map to ease traffic movement on Bailey Road and other connecting roads. The plan is in its initial stage.
Studies have proved that traffic cops face lung disorders due to air pollution and mental stress because of noise pollution. What steps are being taken for their well-being?
The department provides jackets and face masks to traffic constables. As of now, our priority is to set up police checkposts and shelters at 20 more locations in Patna district. In fact, a proposal for new police checkposts at Bahadurpur and Jaganpura has been sent to the state government.
How much fine has been collected so far?
Traffic cops have issued approximately 6,100 challans and collected Rs 66 lakh in fines since September 1. Vehicles of those, who did not pay fines, have been seized.
How challenging is the implementation of the new MV Act?
Quite challenging! Many of us were not aware of the new clauses and rules. On top of that, collecting fines from motorists is not easy as they argue with the traffic personnel sometimes. Besides, our cops faced difficulties while issuing challans through hand-held devices, which had less memory space and poor internet connectivity. We have, however, procured advance technology machines and are training our cops to use them.
Do the traffic police have sufficient manpower to ensure strict implementation of the MV Act?
There are sufficient number of traffic constables and havildars in Patna district, some of whom were deputed last month. However, we need more officers.
What is the reason behind clashes among traffic cops and motorists?
Some violators think they can get away without paying fine. Recently, a woman was issued a challan at Exhibition Road traffic intersection because she was not carrying valid documents like driving licence, registration and pollution under control certificates. She, however, refused to pay fine and instigated the commuters, who created ruckus in the city. We face similar situations on a daily basis.
What do you have to say to motorists in this regard?
I urge them to follow traffic norms and not become aggressive if they are caught for breaking rules. If they think they are right, they can get in touch with senior officials later. I also appeal to the cops to remain patient while dealing with traffic violators.
Are traffic cops given behavioural training?
Recently, we had sent a batch of 30 constables to the Institute of Driving Training and Traffic Research in Aurangabad for behavioural training.
Can motorists furnish vehicle-related documents in 15 days after being issued a challan?
If the case is genuine, we give people some time to furnish valid documents.
Vehicles are being towed away from no-parking zones, but there are very few parking lots. Where will people park their vehicles?
Some commercial areas have no-parking zones only to prevent vehicular snarls. Commercial establishments should provide parking lots to their customers, students and employees. Those, who don’t do so, have been issued notices. Parking vehicles on roads is unacceptable.
Apart from U- turns and blockage of intersections, what other steps are being taken to streamline vehicular traffic in the city?
We are preparing a road map to ease traffic movement on Bailey Road and other connecting roads. The plan is in its initial stage.
Studies have proved that traffic cops face lung disorders due to air pollution and mental stress because of noise pollution. What steps are being taken for their well-being?
The department provides jackets and face masks to traffic constables. As of now, our priority is to set up police checkposts and shelters at 20 more locations in Patna district. In fact, a proposal for new police checkposts at Bahadurpur and Jaganpura has been sent to the state government.
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