Challan books to be history

Challan books to be history
Come January 26, Booking Of Traffic Violations Will Only Be Via BlackBerry
Vinay Madhav | TNN

Bangalore: Issuing challans for traffic violations will completely go the e-way from January 26. BlackBerry devices, introduced by the traffic police in 2008, are all set to phase out what remains of the old system of paper challans.
Additional commissioner of police (traffic and security) Praveen Sood said all traffic violations will be booked only via BlackBerry. Citizens can be assured that whatever they pay as fine will only go to the government.
The move comes in the wake of complaints against traffic personnel using their discretion in booking cases and deciding the fine amount. “With this technology, superior officers get details of the enforcement on computers in real time,” Sood said.
The traffic police introduced Black-Berry devices in January 2008. “Initially, there were hiccups and resentment, but things have changed. There has been a lot of technological upgradation to ensure a fool-proof system. It’s already shown positive results in terms of fine and data collection,” Sood said.
The traffic police had tied up with the state’s e-governance department and begun using the state data centre server. Instruments were replaced with ones having better battery back-up and light chargers. “Even in the absence of network, policemen can book up to 100 cases that will synchronize with the server once network connection is regained. New printers have been imported from the US,” he said.
At present, BlackBerry is used by traffic personnel of sub-inspector rank and above. From next month, assistant subinspectors, who now use challan books, will also get BlackBerry devices. Training for them will begin in 10 days.
FINE COLLECTED This year’s collection from traffic violation fines: Rs 35 crore Rs 18 crore collected by applying technology: Rs 15 crore via BlackBerry; Rs 52 lakh through BangaloreOne centres; Rs 2.3 crore at police station automation centres Rs 11 crore through challan books Rs 6 crore from courts, usually cases of drunken driving