The Indian Express (Delhi Edition)
10 per day: Traffic police get a target for towing vehicles
THE DELHI traffic police has set a target to tow 10 illegally parked vehicles on a daily basis to maximise the usage of cranes available with the department.
The direction by Joint Commissioner of Police (traffic) Kime Kaming specifies that the illegally parked vehicles to be towed on a daily basis comprise five four-wheelers and as many two-wheelers.
This came after data showed that nearly 27,000 vehicles were towed in the Capital in Januaryfebruary this year — a drop from 35,000 in November-december 2023. The move is aimed at maximising the usage/ efficiency of the cranes available with the traffic police, said Kaming in an order issued in March.
Kaming said: “The daily figures for towing away vehicles by cranes have been decreasing, as per data. In Novemberdecember 2023, total 35,337 vehicles were towed by cranes allotted to the traffic circle of all the ranges, and 27,769 in Januaryfebruary — a dip of 7,568 vehicles from the previous period…”
To maximise the usage/ efficiency of the available cranes and have the maximum impact of prosecution on the ground, this figure needs to increase. Ideally, the minimum outcome should have been 10 vehicles — five four-wheelers and as many two-wheelers — per crane... The Delhi traffic police pays Rs 2,999 per day for 12 hours of the crane service,” Kaming added.
According to an official, the traffic police use nearly over 40 cranes to tow vehicles at noparking zones across its 50 circles. “Some of these cranes are also used along security routes of the President and the Prime Minister, where they can remove non-functional vehicles, if any. After picking up the vehicles, they submit them in nearby traffic pits. Violators have to pay a fine of Rs 200 for two-wheelers, Rs 400 for four-wheelers, Rs 500 for four-wheelers for illegal parking (which they also send to courts),” said Kaming.
Kaming further said: “…Additionally, the biometric attendance is checked by respective ACPS/ inspectors (traffic) and DCPS (traffic ranges) are also directed to closely monitor the crane operations. It is reiterated that resources provided to the traffic police be utilised properly as well as monitored closely. If the situation does not improve, necessary action will be taken.”