Drive badly, serve time as traffic cop

The next time you jump the red light or violate any traffic rules in the city, do not think you can get away by simply paying a fine. Faizan Haider reports.

The next time you jump the red light or violate any traffic rules in the city, do not think you can get away by simply paying a fine.

HT Image

Under a unique community service initiative, the police are asking offenders to help manage traffic on city roads.

As part of an ongoing drive to make Iffco Chowk a no-tolerance zone, the Gurgaon traffic police are not only creating awareness but have also asked the rule-breakers to spare some time out and manage traffic for at least 10 minutes.

"If someone is caught jumping the traffic light, he or she cannot get away with fine only. Our men will ask them to stand at the intersection and manage traffic so that they understand how difficult the job is. In two days, we have already caught over a dozen commuters and asked them to don the role of a traffic constable," said Bharti Arora, deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Gurgaon.

The traffic police have also roped in celebrities to join the mission to decongest IFFCO Chowk and spread awareness. Golfer Jyoti Randhawa had got first-hand experience of manning traffic last week.

"We want commuters to follow rules and need to create awareness to make them do that. People need to understand that by only following basic rules, congestion can be avoided," she further said.

During the drive, the DCP herself guides volunteers from various multinational companies (MNCs) during peak hours.

"We have volunteers who will ensure the enforcement of rules along with our men," she added.

Gurgaon police commissioner SS Deswal had also suggested allowing traffic coming from Mehrauli-Gurgaon road to take a free left turn to reach National Highway-8.

"There is a service road in front of Westin Hotel which takes commuters coming from M-G road to Iffco Chowk. This can be used by commuters headed to Jaipur who presently have to wait at the traffic light," Deswal said.