Police to catch red light violators on video camera

For all you motorists who do not believe in stopping at a red traffic signal to let pedestrians pass, here’s some advice: next time you see a red traffic signal, stop. If you don’t, you’ll end up being challaned.

For all you motorists who do not believe in stopping at a red traffic signal to let pedestrians pass, here’s some advice: next time you see a red traffic signal, stop. If you don’t, you’ll end up being challaned.

HT Image

In order to provide pedestrians a safe crossover, the Delhi traffic police have recently adjusted the signal timings. At the same time, policemen, armed with video cameras and in civil clothes, are being posted at various intersections. These policemen will videograph those motorists who jump red pedestrian signals.

As soon as a motorist is caught jumping a red pedestrian light, the policemen posted at the next intersection will be alerted, and the culprit intercepted, charged with driving dangerously and challaned a whopping Rs 1,000.

The Delhi traffic police started this drill four days ago on an experiment basis and have challaned an average 10 people daily. By the end of this week, this will be turned into a regular exercise and will cover all 70-odd pedestrian lights in the city, revealed a senior police officer.

Some such signals are in Jor Bagh, on Africa Avenue, Aurobindo Marg, near Aiims, Yusuf Sarai and Rao Tula Ram Marg.

“There is a tendency among motorists to take pedestrians for granted. Motorists often jump pedestrian signals that cause accidents and injure pedestrians. We are not going to tolerate this any more,” said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

“The exercise has been planned to ensure a safe passage for pedestrians, who are the most vulnerable road users,” said an officer.

A similar exercise will be done at all signal-free corridors including DND Flyover, corridor connecting Mukarba Chowk and Delhi border in Delhi.

Police believe that this exercise will help reduce road accidents and fatalities.