More breath-analysers, speed radars to check drunken driving, accidents on highways

The state police have taken up a set of measures from installing speed radars to restricting drunken driving by using more breath-analysers at several checkpoints on the highways.

It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had expressed serious concern over the frequent road accidents that have led to several deaths and asked the police to take necessary steps in this regard.

Surajit Kar Purakayastha, Director General of Police, held a high-level meeting with senior police officials and Superintendents of Police of seven districts. The meeting was held to discuss issues related to frequent road accidents, mainly on highways, along with steps required to curb problems posing as the main reason behind the mishaps.

At present, there are 60 "black spots" on different highways across the state. "Black spots" are those stretches on roads where accidents are frequent.

Purakayastha said: "Initially, 50 "black spots" have been identified where necessary tasks will be undertaken on a priority basis as most accidents have taken place in those locations. There will be checkpoints and people will be made aware of road safety norms using public addressing system. Already CCTVs have been installed in some places and more will be installed."

He further said there will be speed radars placed at accident-prone areas. At present there are 10 speed radars with the state police and 25 more will be procured soon.

The Director General of Police have stressed on the issue of drunken driving. He said: "More breath-analysers will be used to check drunken driving. The police will be checking at all the checkpoints whether anyone is driving in an inebriated state or not."

There will be check posts where speed radars will be installed. The speed radars will help record speed of each and every vehicle passing by. In case a vehicle jumps the set speed limit on that particular stretch, the speed radar will identify the vehicle and its owner will be booked.

Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS), which is now present in Bidhannagar and Howrah, will be developed across the state. With the setting up of ITMS movement of each and every vehicle passing through an area will get monitored through surveillance cameras.

Prosecution slips against traffic norms violator will automatically get generated with the introduction of ITMS all over the state.

Thus, traffic sergeants could concentrate more on traffic management and accidents would automatically get reduced.