Bengaluru Police Commissioner Bhaskar Rao recently announced on social media that they were planning to raise the number of volunteer ‘traffic wardens’ from 390 to 2500. The move aims to address the disparity between the number of traffic police in the city and the growing number of vehicles.
We plan to work differently to improve the traffic.We are raising Traffic Wardens number from 390 to 2500. Requesting the voluntary spirit of Bengaluru to join us as Traffic wardens . Contact one of your nearest Traffic Police Stations. As Commissioner inviting you on board.
— Bhaskar Rao IPS (@deepolice12) September 17, 2019
As of July 2019, the total number of vehicles registered in Bengaluru city is over 82 lakhs. Meanwhile, the number of traffic police deployed stands at 4718. Although traffic wardens aren’t new in Bengaluru, authorities are hoping to boost existing numbers to bring help the short-staffed service.
By joining the Bengaluru City Police Traffic Warden Organisation (BCP TWO), a voluntary organization, citizens can assist the traffic police in regulating vehicle traffic.
The other duties of the traffic warden include:
a) Educating road users, college students and school children about road safety.
b) Regular traffic duty of 4-5 hours per week as per convenience.
c) Special duties during VIP visits, assembly and general elections, bandhs, festivals etc.
d) Participating in monthly parades.
@blrcitytraffic @BlrCityPolice pic.twitter.com/A8AAT0Hq2G
— Dr.B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda IPS (@jointcptraffic) September 20, 2019
“Bengaluru has the most literate people, but also a high number of traffic rule violators,” said Mohanan Nambiar, Chief Traffic Warden. “Through this initiative, we are educating the volunteers and public that traffic congestion is created by us, and we cannot just blame it away.”
“It’s purely voluntary; we even buy our own uniforms. Here, people get a chance to spend their time constructively. If they can spare sometime they will be helping out the public,” Nambiar added. He also expressed appreciation for the commissioner for spreading awareness about this service.
Some traffic wardens, like Manju Mehra, have been working regularly and play a pivotal part in their neighbourhood. “You get to know and see many things. This gave me the opportunity to help several people. The gratitude you receive by helping someone can’t be compared with anything. It helps them trust others more too,” says Manju, who has been volunteering for five years from 9 am to 3 pm when her daughter goes to school.
People like Manju work in teams. They coordinate with the traffic police and are designated to an area.
Speaking to TNM, Sarah Fathima, Deputy Commissioner of Police and Traffic North, Bengaluru city, said, “Those who think they can improve the traffic can come and be a part of this initiative. And those who criticise us thinking we are out to get them - they can also join us to see the other side of the coin."
When asked of the response till now, Sarah said, "People are asking about the details and want to enroll. After getting all the approvals, we will start recruiting,”