Tapping into the popularity of smartphone messaging apps, Chandigarh Traffic Police on Thursday launched a WhatsApp group service where citizens can reach the police directly. The initiative will help police spread advisories and to curb traffic violations in City.
RP Upadhyay, IGP of UT police said that the number will work as a helpline and a source of feedback for the UT police, as the general public can upload any traffic violation picture and even send suggestions direct through their smartphones.
A special cell has been created to keep a track of messages on WhatsApp. The police will also send informative information to the residents through the application, added the IGP.
Earlier on 2011, a webpage on Facebook was also created where people could contact the police regarding their suggestions and complaints. The webpage has received more than 23,000 likes so far. “We got a good response and residents used to upload pictures of violations such as wrong parking, triple riding and other such offences. The police used to act after going through the pictures. To make things further easier for residents we decided to launch WhatsApp messaging service, said the IGP.
Apart from the WhatsApp messaging service, UT police also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India Pvt ltd for creating a Traffic Education Park at the already existing Chandigarh Traffic Park in Sector-23.
As per the MoU, Honda will provide instructors to educate new riders on correct riding techniques and will also 50 motorcycles so that children learn road safety the “fun way”.