Taking a cue from Delhi, the Chandigarh Traffic Police is gearing up to launch a dedicated mobile application that will empower citizens to act as watchdogs on the roads. The app will allow people to report traffic violations by uploading photo, video, or audio evidence directly to the police, making the process more efficient and accurate.
From Social Media to a Dedicated Platform
Currently, the department operates the Traffic Sentinel scheme, where residents can share evidence of traffic offenders on social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. While this has seen encouraging response, officials believe a standalone app will be a game-changer. Sumer Pratap Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police (Traffic and Security), confirmed the project is in the pipeline and undergoing trials. "Once the testing phase is completed and feedback is incorporated, it will be launched and opened for public use," the SSP stated, highlighting that the initiative aims to strengthen road discipline through greater citizen involvement.
Key Features: Geo-Tagging and Anonymity
A major upgrade with the new app will be its geo-tagging capability. A traffic police officer explained that social media posts often lack precise location details. "With a dedicated app, the moment a user clicks a photo or records a video, the GPS coordinates will be captured automatically, ensuring accurate location data," the officer said. This will help pinpoint the exact spot of the violation.
To ensure credibility, the app will have mandatory user registration. However, understanding the concerns of citizens, it will also provide an option for anonymous reporting. "If someone does not wish to disclose their identity due to fear of confrontation or retaliation, they can choose to remain anonymous while reporting the violation," the officer added. This balance is designed to encourage more people to come forward without fear.
Wide Range of Offences and Faster Response
The application will enable users to report a broad spectrum of traffic offences. These include rash and dangerous driving, jumping red lights, wrong-side driving, and improper parking. Furthermore, in the event of a road accident, witnesses can upload visuals from the scene with precise location details. This feature is expected to enable traffic police teams to reach the site faster and take timely action.
Once evidence is uploaded through the app, the information will be transmitted directly to the traffic police's central control room. Here, it will be scrutinized and then forwarded to field units for prompt enforcement. The model is inspired by the Delhi Police's Traffic Prahari app, which allows citizens to register using a mobile number and OTP to report multiple violations.
The move signifies a shift towards a more tech-savvy and participatory approach in traffic management for Chandigarh, aiming to create safer roads by making every citizen a potential sentinel.
