Commuters, authorities differ on effectiveness of online plaints

Juhu resident Sandeep Kishor Mohonot says that despite having filled the online complaint form on the Mumbai traffic police website on several occasions, he has never received feedback on the action taken.

Juhu resident Sandeep Kishor Mohonot says that despite having filled the online complaint form on the Mumbai traffic police website on several occasions, he has never received feedback on the action taken.

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Mohonot is one of several readers who have written to Hindustan Times with similar complaints.

“I have sent emails to all the addresses mentioned on the website, but have received only complaint numbers, no report on action, if any, taken. The complaint numbers they sent me are 479/2012, 506/2012, 534/2012, 553, 1327. I have also sent reminders to them, but receive some form to re-lodge the complaint!” Mohonot wrote in his email to HT.

Traffic police, however, insist that the online complaint mechanism is functional and effective. “Once the concerned authority in an area takes requisite action, he contacts the complainant and informs him of the steps taken. Authorities also send information on the action taken to the joint commissioner of police (traffic),” said Munna Singh, constable, traffic police, who handles the website.

Singh also said that if the traffic police do not revert to the complainant, the latter can get contact the joint commissioner’s office (022-24954443), give them the complaint number and inquire about the status of the complaint.

While Mohonot said this number too, is not functional, deputy commissioner of police and Mumbai police spokesperson Nisar Tamboli claimed otherwise.

“The helpline is functional and the traffic police is constantly receiving calls on it,” he said.

Singh too said that the traffic police helpline numbers receive up to 400 calls a day. “Most of these are against errant auto drivers who refuse to ply short distances. There are 8-9 constables at work to handle these numbers at all times.

Complainants who do not receive information about action taken can also approach the traffic outpost closest to where the offence took place,or approach the RTO concerned, said officials.