Cops book 50 percent more traffic offence cases in ’19

The number of traffic offence cases booked in the city has gone up by almost 50 per cent when compared to last year, which officials attributed to the cashless system that is hassle-free. The fine amount collected has also increased by about Rs 5 crore.

As many as 33,42,492 cases of traffic violations, including helmet-less cases and drunk driving, have been booked by the Greater Chennai Traffic police until November 26, 2019, while the fine amount collected during this period is a little lesser than Rs 30 crore and stands exactly at Rs 29,85,94,410.

However, in 2018, the total number of cases booked by the city traffic police was 22,26,717 and the fine amount collected was a little over Rs 24 crore (Rs 24,81,74,810). The number of cases booked this year is almost double compared to 2017, as only 18 lakh cases were booked then.

Additional Commissioner (Traffic) A Arun told DT Next that the surge in numbers in the last two years is largely due to the cashless fine payment system, which was introduced in May last year.

“The cashless system saves a lot of time for both traffic police personnel and motorists when they are caught for violations. All that the enforcing officers have to do is stop the vehicle and enter the vehicle details and issue a challan.

If the motorist is willing to pay by debit or credit card, they can do. Otherwise, they can carry on after receiving the challan to pay the fine later,” said the official.

The official also added that the cashless system has made the fine collection more transparent and introduction of upgraded challan devices with the in-built PoS facility, ANPR cameras and body-worn cameras are bringing a change for both police personnel as well as the public. The official also said that disciplinary actions have been initiated against enforcement officers whose body-worn cameras were switched off during their duty hours.