JAMSHEDPUR: For better compliance with rules on roads, traffic police have since last week been conducting an awareness drive which includes public shaming of offenders.
Teams of personnel led by Jugsalai traffic police station in-charge Sangeeta have been offering roses or at times garlanding those caught without helmets instead of imposing fine.
On Sunday, the officer told TOI, "This initiative has been taken up to make people aware that if they follow traffic rules they do not have to shell out hefty fines, often a huge economic burden for many."
She said under this initiative two such drives have been conducted the first one near Jugsalai and other near Tatanagar station. The response has been very good and more such awareness drives will be held in other parts of the city so that all on the road act responsibly.
She said in March six minor drivers were fined 25,000 each but it has been observed even after paying fines many do not learn a lesson.
"So, such awareness drives which include 'public shaming' instead of fines may teach offenders a better lesson with hope they will not repeat the offence," added Sangeeta.
Under the drive 'nukkad nataks' (street corner plays) are also being organized with the help of NGOs to make people aware that when out on road, the main aim of every individual should be how to return home safely, said the traffic police official.
Through such plays, awareness on the importance of wearing helmets by the rider and the pillion riders was also emphasised. Talking on mobiles and lack of seat belt use are other major offences, said Sangeeta, adding the plays try to showcase through skits that such offences can be deadly.
She further added that a quiz programme was also organized on the road, to make drivers aware about road rules. The winners were awarded with helmets.
The Jamshedpur police have also been organizing awareness drives at government-run schools to reach out to maximum masses, including students.
On an average, the city traffic police collect around 40 lakh a month from violators. Those in the age group of 20-35 years are the major offenders.
Meanwhile in Ranchi, traffic police are conducting a drive against people for unauthorised use of 'police' or 'press' stickers in the wake of a high court ruling.
Traffic SP Haaris Bin Jama said, "We are removing from vehicles 'police' or 'press' tickers used without authorisation on the basis of a high court's order. The transport department has recently issued a circular listing out people who can use such stickers on vehicles."
To create awareness on rules traffic police in Ranchi also undertake various initiatives such as street plays, distribution of helmets and counselling for students at schools and colleges from time to time.
(With inputs from Sanjay Sahay in Ranchi)
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