ACP Shrikant Desale urges to use Maha Traffic App to resolve traffic related issues
Maha Traffic app, which was brought into action last year, is being seen as a major development to resolve the increasing problems of traffic rules violation in Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate.
Pune Pulse Correspondent Akash Dhanurkar reached out to newly appointed Assistant Commissioner of Police, Traffic Division Shrikant Desale, who is leading the race to promote the use of this application – mainly to involve the citizens into policing.
What is the Maha Traffic App? Can you explain its mechanism?
The application was introduced last year by Maharashtra Police, but due to lack of awareness, the citizens did not use it. However, through this app, one is able to pay the fine of the challan for any violation of traffic rules. Apart from the Challan payment facility, citizens may also be able to inform us about any kind of traffic violation from any person at any given time and place in the state by clicking the picture of the violating vehicle and its number plate. The picture of the number plate should be clear and easy to view as it is the only evidence through which we will take action against the violators.
Will the app display information of the reporter or complainant who reports the violation?
Yes, it will display us the information but not to the person against whom the complaint is lodged. The information of the complainant will be strictly kept hidden. The complainant will be able to keep track of the action taken against the violators through the app – thus; keeping the system transparent.
How is the application going to help the department resolve traffic issues?
The Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissionerate is new and hence we do have less manpower. For eg; most of the time people park their vehicles in no parking areas and then the citizens notice it but they feel helpless about it. So, with this app, one can send us the picture live from the location and then our back end team looks at it. This is not just a solution to the traffic problems, but also an option to resolve the man power issue. We have eyes on the entire city, now, through this app.
Authenticity of the pictures being a major issue as one can even play pranks, so, is there a verification process after receiving a complaint from the citizen?
Well, we have our back end team which first confirms the complaint and complainant before taking any action. We check if the pictures and complainant are dubious or not. Once we verify, then we initiate further action.
What is the message that you would like to give to the citizens?
I request people to make use of the app by registering your vehicle, so that you may understand the violations pending on your vehicle. Apart from that, we can work together for the betterment of the city. This application is available in Google Play store and IOS Store.
