Traffic cops shoot at sight

Relax, the weapon is a digital camera. But it means there will now be photographic evidence of traffic violations. So, no more arguments and haggling between cops and violators. In fact, fine collection has already soared from 20% to 75%

Traffic cops are binning good ol’ scribble pads and embracing digital cameras to catch traffic offenders. The result? Collection of traffic fines has risen from around 20 per cent to 75 per cent.

Earlier, traffic cops would have to make do with noting down numbers of errant drivers on scribble pads. This would be followed by endless arguments with offenders refusing to accept their mistakes. But, with the new system introduced a month ago, 450 cameras were distributed among police stations, with the promise of more cameras soon. And now, notices are served to violators with visual or photographic evidence.

“Before cameras were given to traffic constables, only 20 per cent people responded to notices and paid up the fine. But pictorial evidence has reined in around 75 per cent of the violators,” additional commissioner of police (traffic) M A Saleem said.

“Ideally, we don’t want you stopping offenders on the road for a violation and asking them for fines. Just shoot the violation and post the notice,” Saleem tells his force. “This will eliminate corruption charges against you and bring better road discipline in Bangalore,” he adds.

Mounted cameras not effective

“For some years, we had 170 cameras mounted on traffic signal lights to capture violations. But, the problem with these mounted cameras is that their resolution is not as good as digital hand cameras. It’s difficult to record the violation with clarity at night. And sometimes, they don’t work due to power cuts and rain. As a result, they did not bring in the desired results. But, the sight of a cop with a camera, shooting images of violators at junctions has become a deterrent and is yielding results,” a senior police officer said.

“Cops will save the evidence in the form of photos and video clips in CDs. We will store the photos till offenders pay the fine. If they still argue, we will produce them before court,” said a senior police officer.

“Sometimes, even our cops have noted down the wrong registration number. As a result, the notices would have gone to people who may not even have ventured to the area stated. But such confusions will come down,” Saleem said.

The headache of cops going after people who do not pay up even after getting notices will also end. “When our men take pictures of violations and generate the notices, we will also check if the vehicle has any pending cases. If it does, we will send them notices for all the pending fines. So, the cameras are also helping us to collect previous unpaid fines.” Saleem added.

According to traffic police department, 8,35,217 violation notices were generated since April this year. More than 6 lakh violators have paid the fine amounting to Rs 6.5 lakh. If you take the percentage data of the last few years, it will tell you the difference. In 2009, only 26% of offenders paid the fine, it went up to 27.7% in 2010 and reached 45% in 2011.