Traffic warden squad launched in Mangaluru

‘Traffic Warden Squad’, a team that will assist police in regulating traffic, was inaugurated, at the police commissioner’s office here on Friday.

City Police Commissioner S Murugan said that the concept is not new and is already operational in Bengaluru and Mysuru. The service has been introduced in Mangaluru looking at its success.

“The public should cooperate with the police in maintaining discipline in the society,” he called upon.

The 94-year-old Joe Gonsalves who had volunteered to take charge as the head of the Squad said, there has been a sharp increase in the number of accidents in the city.
“It was a pleasure to drive on Mangaluru road in the past. Now the scenario has changed,” he added.

 Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Uday Nayak stating that 23 traffic wardens have now joined the squad, said those who are interested to join are welcome. However there are certain criteria like, those who want to be the part of the team should not be involved in any criminal activities and if students, they should get permission from their parents.

The Traffic Warden Squad which will work in coordination with the police department will provide manpower in managing the traffic in the city and will organise road safety and traffic awareness campaigns in association with the Police Department for motorists, pedestrians and schoolchildren. The squad will also assist the traffic police in regulating traffic. The squad will also report traffic violations to the police and will assist them in organising special drives.  The squad comprises a Chief Warden, four deputy chief wardens and 23 members in the Junior Sqaud comprising students of St Agnes, St Joseph’s (Jeppu), Milagres and other colleges.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shantharaju administered an oath to the traffic wardens. Identity cards and certificates were distributed on the occasion.

A rally was flagged off by the Bishop of Mangaluru Diocese Rev Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza at Hampankatta signal prior to the inauguration of the formal function.