Pune:
In a first of its kind initiative in the country, traffic cops in Pune are going hi-tech. They have been given Blackberry phones by which they will be able to record traffic violations. Now, if a person is caught breaking the law three times, their license would be suspended.
Figures from the national crime records bureau report explicitly mention that in proportion to the city's population, Pune ranks first in the number of road accident fatalities in the country. With tighter norms, the idea is to tame the errant drivers and bring some discipline on city roads.
Checking previous traffic violation records was never this easy for Pune's traffic cops. With a few quick key strokes on the Blackberry, past violation by vehicles come up on screen.
"Information about traffic violations will be stored on a computer server on a daily basis and instantly passed on to the policeman. It will help us in keeping the roads safe," said Manoj Patil, DCP, Pune Traffic Police.
Under the new system designed with the help of the science and technology park, 65 blackberry hi-end mobile phones have been given to traffic policemen across the city.
Based on the offence and the previous record of the offender, penalties will vary. After four offences, the driver's license will be suspended for six months.
The people of Pune are excited about this initiative by the traffic police and say that it will keep regular traffic offenders in check.