Caught for traffic violation? Swipe card to pay penalty

For this, POS (Point of Sale) machines would be distributed to the traffic team, in association with the State Bank of India, where fines would be collected using debit or credit cards. “The project has been under way for the last one year and it would be launched in a week’s time,” Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic- North, Prem Anand Sinha, said. 

Since most city dwellers are glued to their mobile phones at all times, Chennai city traffic police plan to use the social media platform and keep the people updated on traffic situation in the metropolis. Following in the footsteps of New Delhi and Bangaluru city police, Chennai city police have formed a team under Sinha’s leadership to post traffic updates on Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp. A WhatsApp number will be shared with the public soon. 

“We believe WhatsApp would be the best way to connect with the public,” Sinha told DTNext . The public would also be asked to post instances of traffic violations they witness on the roads by tagging Chennai city traffic police on Twitter and Facebook. 

“Some people are doing it and we are looking into such information shared on Facebook. However, the proportion is not as good yet,” Sinha said. The city police reeling under manpower shortage to enforce rules with an ever-increasing vehicular population, are looking forward to help from the public to nab violators. Public could also plan their travel in the city as per the updates shared by the traffic cops on social media.