2,200 cabs, 48,000 auto drivers fined this year

New Delhi: In 2016, the Delhi Traffic Police challaned over 48,000 drivers, most of them auto-rickshaws which either refused potential fares or didn’t run by meters or both.

Cops said the Traffic Sentinel scheme launched by the Delhi Traffic Police for empowering people to participate in better management of traffic is working efficiently, as in 2016 till December 15, over 48,956 drivers were fined through this mobile application, and most violations were reported by auto-drivers refusing ferry passengers, dysfunctional meter or not wearing uniform.

“For the safety of commuter, especially women, we have publicised round-the clock helpline numbers. To reach out the police in case of any harassment by auto driver, people can dial 100,” said Garima Bhatnagar, joint CP (traffic).

“We request commuters to immediately report any traffic violation to police via available several helplines launched by the Delhi police. Traffic police will immediately take necessary action against the errant auto drivers,” she added.

“To become ‘Traffic Sentinel’, a user will have to download the app and enrol himself/herself on it. The citizens can report the traffic offence by just clicking a photo or a video through the app and press the ‘send’ button. The app will only ask basic information such as place of offence, date and time. While in GPS enabled mobiles, the date, time and location is embedded.”

The traffic police has also fined over 2,200 cabs running without valid permit in the city. In most cases, the cabs were registered as private vehicles but enrolled with either in call centres or other firms.

“The identification of cabs running without valid permit is a tough task but we try our best to identify them,” said a senior police official with the traffic police.