Starting October, traffic violators in Gurugram won't get handwritten challans if they break traffic rules. The city traffic police department has decided to opt for digital transactions to curb corruption.
The new e-challan system hopes to bring greater transparency within the Gurugram traffic police department, officials said. It will also help reduce arguments between the police and commuters over traffic fines.
The city's traffic police are already issuing electronic challans but offenders have to pay fines in cash. Once the new plan is implemented, if a motorist is caught for a traffic violation, the police will use handheld machines to collect fines.
They can pay the fine through card, online payment with State Bank of India (SBI). With this digital system the traffic violators will be able to pay fines on the spot.
For this, the traffic police department has prepared software with the help of SBI. The software will be installed in the electronic devices used by cops to issue challans and collect payments digitally.
As part of the plan, 150 e-challan handsets have been issued to the traffic police. To ensure that cops don't go back to the old system of issuing handwritten challans, the traffic police have also sent clear instructions to the force.
“We opt digital transaction system, as many motorists are aware of how it works. Strict action would be taken against policemen who carry unaccounted cash. After this, the traffic police constable will not collect cash. The violation fine will be deducted from the bank accounts of the offenders,” DCP (traffic), Sulochana Gajraj said.
A senior police official said the traffic offenders without debit/credit cards will be able to pay fines via Aadhaar, Pan Card and Bank accounts soon. The system has already started in several cities across India.
“The cashless system will be started by the next month,” the officer said, adding that it would also help traffic personnel defend themselves if traffic violators level any allegations against them.