Team Herald
PANJIM: With an overwhelming response to the Traffic Sentinel Scheme, volunteers reporting traffic violations to Goa Police through this platform are also being watched for any disobedience to traffic rules.
“I would really want that all Traffic Sentinels also obey traffic rules. If at all I get a picture or video in which a Traffic Sentinel is violating traffic rules, you should lose all your points. When you (Traffic Sentinels) want others to follow traffic rules, you should also be among those. You are our messengers to society to spread awareness of road safety,” Director General of Police Dr Muktesh Chander said after rewarding 17 Traffic Sentinels with cash prize of Rs 1000 for earning 100 points on reporting different traffic violations.
Goa Police is aiming to reduce accidental deaths by 50 percent while also reducing traffic offences. Chander said the community traffic policing scheme has fetched good results as traffic violations have seen a significant fall, however, he added, “There is still a long way to go.”
In a message to road users as well as Traffic Sentinels, the DGP said, “You have to believe in safety. If you take it as a burden, a liability or to show to policemen, then you will not be cheating the police but playing with your life… this is the message. Traffic safety is important to you first, road users and others.”
In a bid to increase awareness, the department has decided to write to college principals to involve students in the scheme in spreading traffic safety awareness.
“Through this platform, they (students) will follow traffic rules, make others obey the rules and also get good pocket money by reporting violations,” he said adding that they have also urged roadside vendors to volunteer.
Volunteers have to register by sending their name, address and email id on a WhatsApp number, following which their participation will be verified by the traffic cell and based on the type of violation, the user receives points. On accumulating 100 points, he/she is eligible for rewards.
