Instead of slapping fines, traffic cops counsel rule flouters

With “verbal instruction” given to traffic sergeants not to file any case for flouting traffic norms due to non-availability of cash with people for demonetisation of notes, the on-duty traffic police were found counselling traffic offenders when they were caught riding two-wheelers without helmets or flouting traffic signal rules.

The verbal order to the traffic sergeants not to file “any case” came on Saturday. Sources said that realising the “poor” situation of common people due to the “hasty and arbitrary” decision of the Centre to demonetise Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes the “order” has been given not to file any case.

The traffic sergeants found several people flouting traffic norms on the city road since morning. But their task on Sunday was something different from the other days. They were found stopping the bikers, cars or any other vehicles like all other days. But instead of slapping them with a fine, the traffic sergeants were found familiarising the bikers and drivers about the ill effects of rash and reckless driving.

The traffic sergeants and constables were found stopping bikers who had not tightened belts of their helmets and told them that it is useless to put on a helmet if its belt is not fastened properly.

Police caught three youth travelling on a motorbike near Shakespeare Sarani and tried to make them understand that chances of accident goes up if more than two persons travel on a motorbike. One of the three youth was found taking a bus to reach to his destination instead of travelling on the bike after that.

A traffic sergeant, who was on-duty near Park Street, said that they have been asked not to file any case. When asked that what would happen if any car hits another, the sergeant failed to give any concrete reply and said that the victim will have to lodge a complaint.

Usually traffic sergeants slap fines if a car is parked on a no-parking zone. They even engage wrecker vans to carry motorbikes parked in no-parking areas to the nearest police stations and two wheelers are released only after payment of the fine. But traffic sergeants were found engaging wrecker vans to take cars from no-parking areas to a place where it would not lead to traffic congestion.

Another traffic sergeant said that they have to continue with the task in similar manned instead of slapping fine until the further order comes.