Shortage of traffic cops leads to fewer challans

August 17, 2013

Aditya Dev, TNN |

GURGAON: Severe shortage of traffic cops seems to be the reason behind the number of fines issued for traffic violations in Gurgaon taking a nosedive this year. Registering a 22% decline, traffic cops issued only 1,94,202 challans in the first seven months (January- July) of 2013 compared to 2,49,727 in the corresponding period of 2012.While the city has close to 300 traffic cops on duty, at least 700 more are required to keep an eye on the increasing number of violators. Out of the 300 cops on duty, there are few constables and head constables, who are actually responsible for managing the traffic.Traffic cops issued 55,525 less challans in 2013 (January-July) compared to the corresponding period in 2012 with a considerable decline in the number of challans issued for wrong parking, driving without helmet and not wearing seat belt.

While wrong parking continues to be the major traffic problem, the number of challans issued for the offence has dropped by almost 50% this year. Similarly, there is nearly one-third decrease in the number of challans issued for driving without helmet and seat belt.

Parking is a serious issue in Gurgaon with the failure of the civic agencies to provide adequate parking spaces. Whether it is MG Road, Golf Course Road or Udyog Vihar, vehicle owners jostle for space to park their vehicles. In most cases, they are forced to park on road sides. Even challans issued for traffic offences like speeding, use of tinted glasses on four-wheelers, wrong side driving, among others, were less compared to last year.

The Supreme Court had banned the use of tinted glasses on vehicles in May last year. The traffic police conducted a special drive to implement the Apex Court directions and fined 7,359 vehicle owners between January and July, 2012. This year, the figure has reduced to 1,586 for the corresponding period of time.

On the other hand, traffic police have tightened the noose on autorickshaw drivers for rash driving and also on commuters who do not follow traffic signals. During special drives, cops are issuing 300-400 challans against auto drivers for various traffic offences.

The number of challans issued for not following traffic signals has jumped from 12,278 in 2012 to 21,622 this year.

Source-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Traffic Control

Officials told to use LEDs

August 16, 2013

DC |

Visakhapatnam: Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration & Urban Development Dr Sailendra Kumar Joshi suggested that GVMC officials prepare a proposal on comprehensive transport system for the future traffic needs of the city.

He advised officials to replace existing street lights with LEDs as it would cut down 50 per cent of the expenditure.

He held a review meeting with officials here on Saturday. When officials told him that they would prepare a plan for eight BRTS corridors in and around the city with an estimated expenditure of Rs 2,200 crore, Joshi advised them to prepare the plan covering all areas of the corporation.

Source-http://www.deccanchronicle.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Traffic Control, Traffic Management

3rdEye relaunch yet to take off

August 16, 2013

Aditya Dev, TNN |

GURGAON: The two ambitious projects of Gurgaon traffic police — e-challaning and 3rdEye — to revamp the way challaning drives are conducted in the city, are yet to take off.While the e-challaning drive failed to cross the pilot phase, not once but twice, monetary and technical issues are bugging the 3rdEye project, due to which it has been lying cold storage for over one and a half years. It was first launched in August 2011.

The department had written to the state government to seek its approval for budgetary grant for the projects.

Joint commissioner of police (traffic) Bharti Arora said, “The projects are under process. The e-challaning project required monetary provision to buy equipments. We have written to the government. The permission might come in two-three months.”

“We are also looking into ways to restart 3rdEye,” Arora added.

Traffic police had conducted trial runs for e-challaning for the second time in June this year. With the e-challaning project, the traffic police wanted to replace the manual challaning. Under e-challaning, with the help of an electronic device, offenders would not only be given on-the-spot challan receipt, but would also be awarded enhanced fines if found to be repeat offenders.

During the trial runs, four cops were given the devices while a trainer conducted their classes. According to a source, the outcomes of the trial run were not that encouraging as there was marginal increase in number of challans issued with the help of the devices.

This was the second time the Gurgaon police conducted the trial run of e-challaning.

Source-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Traffic Control

Now, learn traffic rules through postcards

August 14, 2013

TNN |

MALAPPURAM: The sub-RTO office of Tirurangadi is creating awareness on traffic and road safety rules.But in a novel way! And that too through post cards.

The office has introduced a programme on creating traffic awareness through postcards and visiting cards with an aim to reduce the number of accidents in the region.

It is sending the post cards, on which different types of traffic safety messages are printed, to the all the applicants who are approaching the office. Staff are also distributing the visiting cards with the road safety rules and acts to the visitors of the office. Motor Vehicle Inspector (MVI) M P Abdul Subair said that the initiative is aiming to make the people aware of traffic rules so as to save their lives and also of others. The necessity of wearing helmets, wearing seat belts, the directions to avoid usage of mobile phones while driving and the messages which are discouraging drunken driving also would be there among the messages on postcards and visiting cards.

The Highway Jagratha Samithis and Jana Jagratha Samithis are also functioning in the Tirurangadi region in the backdrop of the increasing number of accidents on the Tirurangadi region of NH 66. A squad of around thousand local people including autorickshaw drivers and salesmen on the highway is active with their 24/7 trauma care service along the stretch. The squad which was formed by Tirurangadi police, Vigilance Task Force (HVTF) is active in trauma care service.

The MVI said the initiative is expected to be a success and it will help reduce the number of accidents. “Awareness is the only way to prevent accidents and the fresh model of initiative will receive the attention of public easily,” he said.

Source-http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Rules & Regulations, Traffic Control, Traffic Management

Delhi: After delays, e-challan finally sees light of day

August 14, 2013

HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times New Delhi,

The much-awaited e-challan project of the traffic police has finally kicked-off in the city though the official inauguration of the project will take place at the end of this month.

“We made all 1,200 e-challan devices operational a few days ago. However, certain technical glitches remain which are being sorted out. We hope to formally launch the project by end of the month and make available the e-payment option in the devices,” said Anil Shukla, additional commissioner of police (traffic).

On Sunday, the police issued 2,239 e-challans to traffic violators in the Capital.

The e-challan has replaced a traffic policeman’s age-old challan book. It aism to help the police catch repeat offenders as it will be linked to the central database and will provide the policeman a record of previous traffic violations, if any. Traffic police claim the device will enable them to raise at least Rs. 120 crore per annum through e-challans, about three times the average annual amount of Rs. 45 crore.

With the launch of this project, Delhi has joined the league of Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai, where such a system is already in place, though sources said the devices are showing some glitches like heating up and connectivity problems.

The hand-held devices have been distributed among policemen in all traffic circles and are together likely to generate nearly 2,500-3,000 challan receipts every day, said a senior traffic police official.

The police have also received a go-ahead for the e-payment gateway from the ministry of home affairs and have tied up with State Bank of India for the facility, said officials.

The e-challan project had faced a number of administrative and technical roadblocks. These included the machine malfunctioning due to weather conditions and the inability of policemen to operate the devices.

Source_http://www.hindustantimes.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Traffic Control, Traffic Management

Intelligent traffic system for e-way to cost Rs 44 crore

August 13, 2013

Vandana Keelor, TNN

NOIDA: IIT-Delhi has approved a sum of Rs 43.6 crore for an intelligent traffic system (ITS) on Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. The move comes in the wake of a safety audit by the Central Road Research Institute.
According to the report, the e-way is a deathtrap for pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. Speeding cars and light commercial vehicles are the primary cause of road accidents here. Having received the nod from IIT, Noida Authority is gearing up to invite global consultants to launch the project in a month’s time.

Officials said ITS is expected to monitor and manage traffic flow on the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway. “Once implemented, the system will minimize road accidents on the expressway,” Rama Raman, chairman and CEO, Noida Authority, said.

Once the technical and financial go-aheads are received and tenders finalized, the project will be completed in 12-18 months’ time. “The system will reduce travel time, improve traffic regulation and surveillance and reduce operational costs and incident reaction time,” Raman said.

The system will help measure traffic data in real time, detect incidents and congestions automatically and inform road users about travel time, road closures, diversions, rerouting and all major events. “Important features would include a control room, emergency call box, message signboards, CCTV cameras, speed cameras, automatic number plate readers, VID camera and meteorological data system,” said Sandeep Chandra, the technical head for the project who also holds charge of traffic in the city.

Since its inception in 2002, the Noida-Greater Noida Expressway has been the site of hundreds of deaths. Around 25 people have lost their lives while hundreds have been injured in the last six months.

Cameras would be placed at a height of 14 metres to detect movement up to a distance of 280 metres. “Large LED display boards will caution motorists about road and weather conditions. All stationary vehicles, speeding vehicles and getaway vehicles will be recorded. In the first phase, safety devices like reflective signboards, median markers and road studs will be installed between the Noida entry gate and Mahamaya flyover,” Chandra said.

The most important feature of the system will be reduced response time to an accident. ITS will guide road users to adapt speed to ensure smoother flow of traffic and help coordinate policing and emergency services. “The expressway will be under surveillance 24/7 which will help curb crime on the e-way,” Raman said.

Source-http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Traffic Control

Noida to streamline traffic with E-challan

August 13, 2013

Vinod Rajput, Hindustan Times Noida,

To better its existing traffic management system by curbing rampant traffic rule violations, the Noida authority on Monday, decided to introduce electronic (E) challan facility soon.

The authority has roped in telecom major- Airtel for this ambitious project, which will also be helpful in implementation of intelligent traffic management (ITS) in future.

“E-chalan will enable traffic police to issue an instant chalan of a traffic violator. The moment a vehicle found violating any of the traffic rules like- traffic signal jump, rash driving and recklessly changing lanes etc, then police control room will get an SMS with the help of high-tech CCTV cameras installed on traffic poles at all traffic signals,” said Manoj Kumar Rai, officer on special duty (OSD), the Noida authority.

The Noida authority chairman Rama Raman on Monday had a meeting with assistant regional transport officer (ARTO)- Rajesh Singh, and airtel officials including Noida authority traffic cell to brain storm over the project at its sector 6 office.

To ensure smooth travel to thousands of daily commuters, and regulate city’s burgeoning traffic, the authority has already numbered each traffic pole installed at existing 69 traffic signals.

“We will give hand-held devices to traffic police to issue E-Chalan. After Delhi, Noida will be the first city in NCR to have E-chalan facility,” said OSD.

The authority has formed a team consisting of traffic police and traffic cell officials to identify two busy traffic signals, where trials will be conducted.

“If trials will be successful, then in next 2 months, this facility will be implemented in entire city to ensure better traffic regulation. The authority want to ensure that commuters do not face traffic jam,” said OSD.

Officials maintained that it is on way to build a road-map to make way for implementation of intelligent traffic system (ITS), which will work to monitor and regulate city traffic in a high-tech manner ahead.

Source-http://www.hindustantimes.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Traffic Control

Delhi: After delays, e-challan finally sees light of day

August 13, 2013

HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times New Delhi.

The much-awaited e-challan project of the traffic police has finally kicked-off in the city though the official inauguration of the project will take place at the end of this month.

On Sunday, the police issued 2,239 e-challans to traffic violators in the Capital.

The e-challan has replaced a traffic policeman’s age-old challan book. It aims to help the police catch repeat offenders as it will be linked to the central database and will provide the policeman a record of previous traffic violations, if any. Traffic police claim the device will enable them to raise at least Rs. 120 crore per annum through e-challans, about three times the average annual amount of Rs. 45 crore.

The police have also received a go-ahead for the e-payment gateway from the ministry of home affairs and have tied up with State Bank of India for the facility, said officials.

Source-http://www.hindustantimes.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Traffic Control

Now, take your traffic woes directly to MVD

June 24, 2013

K M Sree, TNN |

KOZHIKODE: The Motor Vehicle Department has embarked on a fresh mission to ensure public participation in curbing traffic rule violations. Public complaint redressal cells have been opened by officials of the department in addition to the official crackdown on erring vehicles across the state.

The new system, introduced following a directive issued by Transport Commissioner Rishi Raj Singh, enables the public to submit grievances online or directly call on the mobile numbers of officials. Besides, proposals for improving road safety may also be submitted to the redressal cells.Citizens may submit complaints directly to the deputy transport commissioner ([email protected]/ 9447218470) or RTO Kozhikode ([email protected]/ 8547639111). The complainant can also directly approach the Transport Commissioner ([email protected]/ 9446033314) if action is not taken in a month’s time.

“It is not possible to curb road rule violations merely by official vigilance. Public participation is a key element in creating awareness on the need for observing road rules,” said Kozhikode RTO Rajeev Puthalath. The new system, complaint redressal cell has already been set up at Kozhikode, he added.

Information on unfit vehicles especially stage carriage vehicles, excess fare charged by auto-taxi drivers, verbal abuse by private bus crew and all sorts of offences can be reported to the complaint cell. Complainants are requested to give specific information regarding the complaint including the registration number of the vehicle, place of occurrence and other details.

Under the new system, each cell will maintain a complaint register to record the complaint, progress of investigation and action taken. At present, we take action on receiving complaints and settle the issues but register books are not maintained in Regional Transport offices, the official said.

The Motor Vehicle Department has also intensified drive against drunken driving and use of mobile phones. Instead of issuing notice and collecting fines, MVD officials have now taken to suspending the licence of persons found using mobile phones while driving. Drunken drivers also get their licence suspended as part of the strict enforcement of road laws.

While, 313 persons have had their licence suspended for drunken driving in Kozhikode city alone in the past one month, the number of persons who had their driving license suspended for using mobile phone crossed 50 last month.

Apart from the formation of complaint redressal cells we have also decided to intensify drive against the misuse of red number plates for vehicles. “We have found that many vehicles used by semi-government organizations and cooperative institutions have been using red boards for their vehicles and action would be initiated against such vehicles,” the RTO said. A drive to nab such automobiles was launched recently and 10 vehicles were fined for using such red boards illegally, during a three day drive that concluded on Friday, the officials said.

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Traffic Control, Traffic Management

Hi-tech traffic signals in Bhubaneshwar await green light

June 17, 2013

Riyan Ramanath V, TNN |

BHUBANESWAR: If everything goes as per plan, then the traffic posts in city will have full-fledged technology-driven signal system. This will reduce burden on traffic cops and make catching of violators easy.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has roped in a private party to install upgraded signals called Intelligent Traffic System (ITS) on a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis for 10 years. The private party, Stanpower, a Hyderabad-based company, known for its innovative technology applications, is likely to give a presentation on ITS to traffic and BMC officials next week. The BOT will facilitate the BMC to have full rights over the assets after 10 years. The company will only get advertisement rights and the cost of operation during the period.

The new system can assist traffic authorities in maximizing the operational efficiency of the signals, said BMC commissioner Sanjib Mishra. “ITS will help ease the traffic flow, reducing delays and fuel consumption of vehicles. It will also help monitor air and noise pollution,” said the commissioner. The ITS uses technology such as CCTV camera-linked traffic controllers and central operation centres, where the computers analyse the traffic flow and disseminate traffic management information, added the commissioner.

At present, the city has about 60 traffic posts of which 20 have signals, which can be operated both manually and automatically. However, human intervention is still required to monitor the violators. “At times we fail to penalize the violators as we have to run after them. Once the technology is installed, we can penalize the commuters later as the CCTVs will capture the registration number of violating vehicles,” said traffic ACP Binod Das.

The commissioner has written to Bhubaneswar DCP, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), regional transport officers and chief engineer of roads seeking their cooperation to adopt the system in the city. “If the stakeholders are convinced about the benefits of launching the technology in Bhubaneswar, the company will be given the go-ahead,” said the commissioner.

“The traffic management in urban set-up has undergone many changes. It is no more limited to flashing of lights at intersections. Present system can’t monitor red light jumping and speed of vehicles. Secondly, there is human intervention while tracking the violators, who don’t wear helmets and drive without fastening seat belts. In many cities, the violations are documented by the technology,” said urban planer P R Rout.

“The ITS technology is so sophisticated that it is able to detect any solid object near traffic posts. The system runs through a central server, which can maintain the database of all traffic signals of the city,” said a BMC official .

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Written by ITW Editor · Filed Under Traffic Control

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