Licence glitch caused by e-challan machine snag, admits officer

“When the machines were introduced to fine traffic violators, integration of RTO data was made on an experimental basis but was discontinued shortly. The database of RTOs was initially managed by National Informatics Centre in Bengaluru, but after it was transferred to Delhi, the integration was withdrawn. Steps are currently on to revive the process,” an officer said.

Once the integration is complete, RTOs will automatically receive alerts about licences which the traffic police recommend for suspension. Currently, police are sending photocopies of documents and RTOs allegedly ignore them stating suspension is not possible unless original documents are produced. Also, if the integration is in place, it will be easier for the police personnel to know of previous offences committed by violators as the application would be integrated with the State crime branch database. It will serve as one platform for the enforcement system.

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Currently, tenders have been floated for e-challan machines with application for integration of RTO database which would be issued across the State. “It will be distributed at least in another six months,” the officer said. The challans issued from such machines will have details such as notice number, location name, date of offence, registration number, mode of violation, penalty amount, due date and licence base data.

The Police Department is also in the process of setting up franking machines on highways to automatically detect over speeding vehicles and fine challans to violators.