Watchdog to keep eagle’s eye on ‘corrupt’ traffic policemen

The cabinet’s nod to tougher penalties for traffic violations has put the Delhi traffic police in a fix.

The cabinet’s nod to tougher penalties for traffic violations has put the Delhi traffic police in a fix.

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“The hike in fines may encourage a section of policemen to settle challans by taking bribes,” said an officer of Delhi police.

Anticipating such possibilities, the traffic police have decided to supervise the conduct of policemen.

“We will strengthen our Police Research Group (PRG) wing, so they can act as watchdogs. We will also use common men to form decoy teams to trap those who indulge in bribery. We will also install hidden cameras,” said Satyendra Garg, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

The traffic police, who for the past few years have been asking for tougher penalties for traffic violations, are now anticipating an increase in corruption among the traffic police.

“Heavy penalties will make road users more disciplined and will be a huge deterrence in violations. But at the same time, there is always a possibility that it may encourage a section of our men to settle challans for bribes,” said a Delhi Police officer.

He added that those found engaging in such unlawful activities would be sacked from the job immediately.

A section of traffic policemen already take bribes to settle cases such as talking on the phone while driving, over speeding, driving without insurance and driving dangerously among others, for which the fines are on the higher side.

The existing fine for talking on the phone while driving is R1,000, over speeding is R400, driving without insurance or driving dangerously is R1,000.

Want to avoid fines? pay attention

Wear a good quality ISI-mark fibre helmet. Worker’s helmets made of plastic are not allowed

Permissible alcohol limit is 30mg per 100 ml of blood. So, drink within the limit

Wear a seat belt while driving

Don’t talk on mobile phone. Even hands-free and bluetooth devices are not allowed

Don’t triple ride on a two-wheeler. Pillion rider should also wear helmet

Speed limit on most roads is 50 kmph except some stretches of Ring Road and outer ring Road where it is 60kmph. You can drive up to 80 kmph on DND flyway and NH8

Stop before stop-line at intersections

Drive in your lane

Holi preparations
In a bid to discourage people from drinking and driving in the festival week ahead of Holi, Delhi traffic police initiated a special drive against drunk driving on Thursday. Police said the drive would continue till March 8, when Holi would be celebrated in the city.