Chennai: Chennaites can now report instances of traffic violations like failure to wear helmets, jumping signals, speaking on cell phones while driving and so on, through a mobile application.
Bringing public participation into reducing traffic violations, ‘GCTP Citizen Services’ android app was launched by the police department which enables public to take photographs of traffic rule violators and upload them to the police instantly.
Launching the app, City Police Commissioner, A.K. Viswanathan, on Friday said, "People can post information about such violations on the application for further action. They can capture a photograph or a video and upload it. This application will prove to be of immense help for us to solve issues."
"This is an empowering app for citizens which provides access to various services, information and utilities related to the transport sector. It is convenient to citizens and this transparent system is available for free download from Google play store," the commissioner added.
After installing it, users need to register their name and mobile number and other details, which will then be stored in a police database. According to a police officer, details like location, time and date, would be noted down with the help of GPS.
"This would enable us to know the details of the offence. Once a photo is uploaded in the app, it will be seen by senior police officers and traffic cops," the officer explained.
However, already captured photos cannot be uploaded in the app.
After scrutiny, the police will identify the offenders and levy a fine amount on them.
"We will issue a challan containing the name and address of the vehicle owner. The challan will be sent to the violator’s address and the fine amount will be collected either through cash or through digital payment," the officer said, adding that the complainant will also receive the copy of the complaint.
The top cop also distributed 352 new ‘Electronic Challan’ machines (E-Challan) for spot fining traffic violators. The machines will be useful for police and transport department officials to track repeat offenders.
