Cops to slog it out on foggy nights

This winter, don’t be surprised to see Delhi Police personnel monitoring traffic late at night. And this time, their prime intent will not be to prosecute violators, but help motorists drive safe during foggy weather.

This winter, don’t be surprised to see Delhi Police personnel monitoring traffic late at night. And this time, their prime intent will not be to prosecute violators, but help motorists drive safe during foggy weather.

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The number of road accidents goes up on nights when thick fog prevails. Vehicles also become more prone to breakdowns. In such a scenario, traffic policemen will act promptly to ensure that such vehicles are removed from roads so they do not cause accidents.

“Our men usually stay on the roads till 11pm. But on foggy days, we will post them at important intersections throughout the night, to facilitate smooth and safe movement of vehicles,” Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic) said, adding that the chase and challan squad of 610 bikes would also be on the move during foggy days.

Garg said that the deployment of traffic police would also be increased on some stretches, including roads leading to the airport, railway stations, hospitals and wedding venues.

Depending on the situation, the traffic police may also rope in police control room (PCR) vehicles. “We may take their help in case of vehicle breakdowns and increase in the number of accidents,” he added.

The city registered four fatalities last year and eight a year before on roads during fog.

The traffic police want to bring down the fatality rate to zero this time and believe that encouraging motorists to drive on low beam will help them meet their target.

“We will focus on this area. Driving vehicles on high beam during foggy nights often causes accidents. Our men - whether patrolling or at intersections - will advise motorists to drive on low beam and also issue challans to those found flouting rules,” a traffic police officer said.

The traffic police have already instructed their men to wear florescent jackets and use baton light for better visibility on roads during foggy nights.