Special software-driven cameras have been installed at “vulnerable” points in the city, especially in areas where bikers tend to break traffic rules. These cameras have “sensors” that note number plates of those riding without helmets. At the end of each day, around 15-20 young riders are being summoned to Lalbazar with their parents and asked to promise not to ride without a helmet. They are then allowed to go with a warning — another violation will lead to their bikes being seized.
“We are preparing a comprehensive list of the violators, including vehicle numbers,” said Murlidhar Sharma, joint CP (traffic). Commissioner Anuj Sharma expressed satisfaction with the campaign for the second successive time at the monthly crime meeting.
After issuing more than 17,000 challans in the past fortnight, the traffic police has decided to change tactics based on local inputs. They will now concentrate on stretches that have seen the maximum violations. Till Sunday, cops had issued 20,961 challans.
Cops have set up several nakas across small zones to ensure bikers don’t get away even if they manage to evade cops at one point and to nab those driving drunk after drinks at pubs in a particular stretch.
“The idea is to remain one step ahead of bikers. If they are successful in dodging us one night, we will get them on another. We can’t remain static. The result has been positive so far — around 7,000 challans have been issued throughout the week,” said an officer. “We are following a strategy to not let bikers read us,” said the joint CP (traffic). For example, while Lake Gardens flyover usually sees a naka at night, new ones have been set up at Lords crossing, Golf Green and Jadavpur.
Besides raid teams, plainclothes officers have been providing inputs on areas known for night-time bike racing, like Hastings, Bhowanipore, Mullickbbazar, Rajabazar and Park Circus.
Source: Times of India
