The authorities are issuing challans for violation of traffic rules, towing two wheeler’s, etc and collecting fine on the spot. This is required to imbibe a sense of discipline and awareness in the public, but at same time there have to be sufficient parking lots. The fine amount is high and most of the time one may not have full amount as happened in my case in two instances (over-speeding 4-wheeler and improper parking of 2-wheeler). The personnel are rude and adamant do not even allow a man to go and withdraw cash from the nearest source. The option in such cases is to part with whatever amount is in hand without getting a receipt.
In the process, the challan issuers have a hay day. This is the biggest lacunae existing and the government still remains a loser despite steep increase in fines for violation of traffic rules.
The best course therefore is to go ‘digital’. The offence should be clicked on camera and notice sent by post/message to the owner, who has no option but to pay the full amount of fine in the designated office.
Traffic cells in important cities must be modernized and upgraded to take care of the same. This will give sufficient time for payment which will go directly to the government treasury without manual leakages and will halt manipulations and malpractices. The labour presently used for towing can then be utilized as traffic guides or elsewhere. It is hoped the concerned authorities act appropriately and promptly to arrest losses.
B V S Priolkar, Margao
