Traffic e-challan system must be made foolproof

Traffic cops check vehicles at Dahisar. File pic

Traffic e-challans have become problematic for police and those fined alike after a spate of errors have occurred in these challans. According to a report in this paper, a Ghatkopar resident has been sent 13 e-challans for his Activa scooter but out of that only one belongs to him, the others are of vehicles not belonging to him.

The traffic department has pressed the pedal on recovering pending dues from errant motorists and two-wheeler users. E-challans are issued for violation of traffic rules. While the intent is good, and the step up in collection is necessary given that dues are over Rs 400 crore, the method must be absolutely foolproof.

Mumbai takes pride in its traffic management. With all shortcomings, the megapolis still considers traffic management one of its better functioning departments. At one time, even its drivers were considered one of the most disciplined in the country, but now we find question marks hovering above that reputation and have to make a serious effort to reclaim that place on the pedestal.

The traffic cops do a commendable job, by and large with all the challenges, in a city bursting at its seams. Technology must aid the cops, whether it be high-quality CCTV coverage, which is a must, or the e-challan system.

Now, there must be a thorough and quick probe into why faulty e-challans are being generated after checking the veracity of the complaints and efforts made to plug the loopholes.

If this continues there is a danger that some vehicle owners will claim and insist that even genuine e-challans are fake and dilly-dally payment. There is also the fact that people will become more skeptical of police action. This in turn may spur on more road safety violations. An absolute watertight, flawless system is the need of the hour. Let us make the e in e-challan stand for ‘error free'.