Cops to use QR monitoring code for safety of women travellers

Following the string of cases involving women harassment by private taxi drivers, the Delhi Police decided to monitor mobile Apps for taxis, auto-rickshaws and public transportation by developing a Quick Response (QR) code.

"The move was initiated keeping the safety of women in mind and also to provide passenger safety to commuters," said Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in a national conference- safer and convenient Taxi Operations in India.

The QR code monitoring system will be used to track the passenger's journey and also provide details of the taxi driver. In many cases involving sexual assaults or harassment by private cab drivers, women rely on their mobiles for help. However, there are times when the cab passes through areas having less police surveillance leaving the victim vulnerable.

To ensure safety in such unguarded situations, the cops will use QR code monitoring system. Also, they can clamp down on him instead of approaching his employer for details.

Speaking at the conference, Sanjay Beniwal, Special Commissioner of Police, Women safety, Airport and modernisation explained how a control room would safeguard the women.

"Post Nirbhaya incident most of the women in the Capital feel insecure using public transport, especially in the late hours. Even the metro rail has become over-crowded forcing people to use private vehicles and public transport. The main aim of QR code which will be monitored at a control room is to improve security for women using public transportation including cabs during late hours," said Beniwal.

Also, the speakers at the event discussed how the rude behaviour of taxi drivers created a negative impact on foreigners. Trevor Wedge, former Chief, Driver standards Agency, United Kingdom (UK) stated that a Code of Conduct is a must for to set minimum taxi industry protocol and standards of customer service. Rohit Baluja, Director, IRTE said, "Taxi drivers are expected to be professional. They should drive safely and defensively in all weather and traffic conditions. It is in the interest of owners and operators to provide professional training for all drivers to ensure a high quality of service is provided to all customers," he said.