Clamp on wheel frees roads of snarls

Clamping of wheels was extensively used by Delhi Traffic Police last year to deter motorists from parking indiscriminately on roads and hindering smooth movement of traffic across the Capital. Several drives were also carried out on selected roads and commercial areas to create an impact.

According to Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Taj Hassan, over 1.3 lakh motorists were prosecuted last year for improper parking with the use of wheel clamps. “Parking violators need to realise that violation of traffic rules is a serious offence and should not be done,” he said. Wheel clamp is designed to prevent vehicles from being moved. In its most common form, it consists of a clamp that surrounds a vehicle wheel, designed to prevent removal of both itself and the wheel.

Sources said 1,000 wheel clamps were also purchased by traffic police last year. “While buying the wheel clamp, we ensure that it would be able to clamp the wheels all type of cars, SUVs and pick-up vans, and would be similar to those being used in countries like the US and the UK. The design of the key is also such that it cannot be duplicated,” another police officer said.

Added features are that wheel clamps are made of corrosion resistant materials and hard enough to resist cutting by crimping tools or shears. Police make sure that it locks the rim and does not bend even with the crow bar. “They also have rubber coating to prevent scratches on the wheel hub,” the officer added.

In the past, police were hesitant to use wheel clamps as they were not very user-friendly. They were heavy and worked by tightening nuts and bolts. However, purchase of advanced and improved wheel clamps have changed the scenario.

Hassan further said constant pressure was maintained to keep the roads, market areas and public places free from unauthorised, improper, obstructive parking. Cranes were also effectively utilised to tow away such vehicles which were found hampering smooth movement of traffic.

In 2013, a total of 6,73,043 motorists were prosecuted for improper parking as compared to 5,13,562 motorists prosecuted in 2012.