Traffic cops told not to hassle motorists

Mumbai: Mumbaikars can expect hassle-free rides on Mumbai roads, as the traffic police has been instructed to check only the driving licence and registration papers of motorists. The instructions were issued in the wake of an increasing number of complaints about the traffic police harassing people by demanding several documents such as PUC, insurance papers and green tax papers, which would lead to altercations.

The notification, which was issued by Milind Bharambe, joint commissioner of police (traffic), states that the traffic police is there to maintain traffic discipline; and despite instructing officers repeatedly, complaints had been received against the traffic department, stating that the traffic police was asking for documents related to PUC, insurance and green tax papers, which was resulting in arguments between motorists and the traffic police.

“The image of the traffic department is being maligned. In Mumbai all the fines and fees related to traffic violations have gone online. This was brought about to inculcate discipline in the traffic department and make transactions cashless. Despite this, the department has been receiving complaints about the traffic police,” the notification read. “Traffic departments officials, while inculcating traffic discipline will not ask for PUC-related documents, insurance-related documents or green tax documents until further instructions, and officials should take note of this.”

A traffic police official said, “The primary job of traffic police officers is to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and ask for licences and vehicle registration-related documents. A special squad of traffic police could inquire about documents that are issued by the Regional Traffic Organisation (RTO).” The Mumbai traffic police is working on setting up an ‘evidence-based’ policing system to prevent arguments between policemen and offenders. The traffic police department has already installed CCTVs at most vital spots, introduced the e-challan system and launched a mobile application for commuters to register their grievances and seek help.