No second chance for bad drivers

Thursday, January 8, 2009
Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Figure this. Not a single violator of traffic rules was booked under the repeat offence provision of the law, which calls for more
stringent punishment, in 2008 because the traffic police maintain no such record. But those caught on Delhi roads will not be so lucky this year. In a few months, being caught for a second-time violation will attract a higher fine, even jail.

The traffic police have already initiated the process of updating a database of all the challans with details of both the vehicle and the driver. According to sources, the provision for repeat offences is not used, even though a higher fine can be imposed on the offender, as there are no details of the challans issued. The cops are now in the process of compiling this data and uploading it onto a central server.

"The tendering process for system is over and it should be in place within 2-3 months,'' confirmed Mukhtesh Chander, additional commissioner of police (traffic). In a month, the traffic police issue over one lakh challans and this data will automatically get uploaded on the system once the new facility is in place.

The traffic police is also planning to upload the details online along with a search option. This will benefit those hiring drivers, as they will be able to access the driving history of the person and all the violations committed by him in the recent past. By entering the name of the driver or his driving license details, one will be able to get information on the driving history of the person. The process is also expected to act as a deterrent for drivers, as jumping a red light for instance, will affect their record.

Driving licences of `bad' drivers will be revoked. Once the system has been tested, the cops plan to approach the state transport department to seek action against drivers committing multiple offences. "We are planning to propose cancellation of DLs in severe cases and suspension for others, who will be asked to undergo proper driving training from a government authorized driving school before they are allowed on the road again,'' sources said.

The system is almost similar to that used in many developed cities where drivers getting more than stipulated number of "tickets'' face cancellation of driving licenses.