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Now, WhatsApp cops about traffic violators, overcharging auto drivers

Also complain about signals at 8750871493
Last Updated 18 October 2014, 03:02 IST

After the Vigilance Department, it is the turn of Delhi Traffic Police to launch a WhatsApp number to which you can complain about traffic violators and overcharging auto and taxi drivers.

People can also complain of non-functional traffic signals, vehicles causing traffic snarls and overflowing sewers preventing smooth movement of vehicles on the WhatsApp number 8750871493.

“Along with photos and videos, complainants need to send their name, date, time and place of the violation. We assure you of our prompt action on your complaint and feedback about action taken,” Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Mukesh Chander said.

A six-member team has been pressed into service and more will be added after gauging response from the public. The service was started on Friday morning, and by evening there were at least 700 responses from people.

“Most of the messages were feedback of the service, but there were several complaints too,” Chander told Deccan Herald. The “overwhelming response” is despite the traffic police not advertising the service. 

“We do not intend to advertise it. Social media is so strong that the message about the service will circulate quickly and automatically,” said Chander, a “strong advocate” of social media.

Unlike the Vigilance Department that encourages submitting even audio recordings, the traffic police prefer evidence in the form of pictures and videos.

“Our purpose is to obtain maximum prosecution for which we need visual evidence. We want clear pictures of number plates of vehicles violating traffic rules or charging extra. We need videos of auto and taxi drivers who misbehave or overcharge,” Chander said. 

He said it was difficult and often impractical to summon people for voice analysis if audio recordings of misbehavior and overcharging were to be accepted. Much of these services were already there on Delhi Traffic Police’s Facebook page and Twitter for some time. Dozens of violators are already being prosecuted every month based on photographs and video evidence submitted by the public on the traffic police’s Facebook account.

“But there are many more people who use WhatsApp and not Twitter. It is also easier to collect evidence and send across immediately through WhatsApp,” Chander said.

The traffic police’s WhatsApp number will also accept complaints against their own officials if they indulged in corruption or misbehavior with the public, he said. 

Delhi Police’s Vigilance Department already allows reporting corrupt policemen, including traffic personnel, on their WhatsApp number 9910641064.

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(Published 18 October 2014, 03:02 IST)

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