Panaji, Dec 5 (TOI): Errant driver and riders better watch out because their next traffic violations will be caught not by the uniformed police, but a Whatsapp happy traffic sentinel. The fine could benefit 868 persons who have registered as traffic sentinels. Over 10 of them have received Rs 1,000 and above as rewards.
On November 10, director general of police (DGP) Muktesh Chander launched the 'Traffic sentinel scheme', a platform on WhatsApp through which citizens can report traffic violations in the state to the traffic cell, and earn cash rewards.
Speaking to TOI, traffic cell SP Dinraj Govenkar said they have received 1,100 traffic violation complaints through WhatsApp from the sentinels and challans have been issued to the violators.
Govenkar said there are citizens who did not want to register with us, but they are regularly sending us photos of violations. "Over ten people have accrued over 100 points and their files have been processed to reward them," Govenkar said.
Citizens can send photos and videos of violations along with the details of the erring vehicles, such as registration number to 7875756110 and be a traffic sentinel.
Based on the type of violation, the user receives points. For instance, reporting an instance of triple-seat riding on a two-wheeler will earn them 10 points, while parking on footpaths or zebra crossings will accrue three points. On accumulating 100 points, the user can claim a reward of Rs 1,000. A lucky draw will also be announced, wherein one lucky traffic sentinel will be the recipient of a motorcycle.
Earlier this year, the state transport department had launched an app called 'Complaint Registration', which allowed citizens to file complaints about traffic violations.