Twitterati helps cops nab traffic violators

PUNE: At a time when social media is receiving flak for spread of rumours, the ever-organic platform is turning out to be the ultimate snitch for traffic cops in the city.

On an average, the twitter handle of the Pune police — @PuneCityPolice — is receiving about 25 complaints about traffic rule violators. And not just that, netizens are also helping police by uploading pictures and vehicles details of the errant drivers.
Speaking about the regular tweets received from public, inspector Vijay Bajare said, “Many people are instantly uploading details and photographs of various traffic-related issues online, including traffic jams to double parking, triple seat riding, stopping on zebra crossing, parking on footpaths and fancy number plates, among others.”
Upon receiving the tweets, along with offence and vehicle/s details, the cases are sent to the division officer of that particular area.“The officer concerned then go to the spot to verify claims and initiate action against the violators. The offenders are issued challans and fined depending on the offence. In case the offender or the vehicle is not found at the spot, the owner is issued a challan against the vehicle based on the photographic evidence uploaded online,” Bajare said, adding that for this to happen the registration number of the vehicle should be properly visible in the photographs.
Taking action against the offender is not as easy as it sounds. “As per the law, it is necessary for a traffic officer to be present at the spot at the time of offence,” Bajare said, adding, “Still, we issue challans based on the photographic evidence uploaded by Twitterati.”
On the complaints received, constable Jaya Thite said, “Since our twitter handle became operational a year ago, the number of complaints received on the platform has risen considerably. This can be attributed to the rising awareness among people. We are now receiving 20-25 complaints about rule violations daily. We respond to the tweets as per the directions of division officer concerned.”
Thite said the police have been actively pursuing the complaints received online and challans are issued in most of the cases.
The twitter handle of the Pune police was launched to reach out to the public for spreading awareness and sharing timely updates on traffic and rules.