Himachal police will publicly display challans of drunk drivers on electronic boards

Diary Times News Service

Shimla, August 12: In a bold new initiative aimed at enhancing road safety, the Himachal Pradesh Police has announced that the challans (fines) issued to drunk drivers will soon be displayed on electronic boards outside police stations. The move is part of a broader strategy to use digital technology to curb traffic violations and promote responsible driving across the state.

The decision was taken during the monthly crime review meeting of the Traffic, Tourist and Railway (TTR) department chaired by Director General of Police (DGP) Atul Verma recently, to leverage technology for improved road safety.

In the initial phase, electronic boards will be installed in major police stations of all districts except Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti. These boards will not only display challans of drunk drivers but also challans of persons arrested for violating other provisions of the Motor Vehicles (MV) Act. This public display is aimed at deterring potential violators and ensuring greater accountability on the roads.

“Himachal Pradesh Police is taking proactive steps to mitigate road safety challenges through effective use of digital tools, gadgets and technology. This initiative is part of our ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and ensure strict enforcement of traffic laws,” said Deputy Inspector General of Police, Traffic, Tourism and Railways, Gurdev Chand Sharma.

Apart from the electronic boards, district superintendents of police (SPs) have been empowered to hire cranes to remove wrongly parked vehicles, a common problem in congested areas. Districts like Shimla, Kullu, Mandi and Kangra will soon be allocated funds to facilitate this initiative, which is expected to reduce traffic congestion and improve road safety.

The DGP has directed all district SPs and other officers to personally monitor vulnerable areas during Navratri, fairs and festivals, with special focus on violations related to transportation of passengers in goods vehicles. Strict enforcement and action against violators has been mandated to ensure public safety during these high traffic periods.

To tackle road accidents, especially in Una district, the police have been directed to use technologies such as alco sensors, speed radars and integrated traffic management system (ITMS). Other district SPs have been asked to identify the causes of road traffic accidents (RTA) in their respective areas and implement corrective measures.

This comprehensive approach to road safety by Himachal Pradesh Police is aimed at reducing traffic-related accidents and ensuring safer roads for all. The use of public shaming coupled with advanced technology is expected to have a significant impact on driving behaviour across the state.

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