Traffic violators may find it tough to get passports, jobs: Police chief

PUNE: Traffic rule violators in the city may soon have a tough time securing government jobs and passports, if they don’t mend their ways.In an exclusive interview with TOI, Pune police commissioner K Venkatesham said the police were in the process of compiling a database of such violators, which will be linked to the passport verification process.“Violation of traffic rules could create a problem for those wanting to obtain a passport or seeking employment in government departments,” the police commissioner said.The move is similar to the one mooted by former Pune police chief Rashmi Shukla to curb attacks on police personnel.Venkatesham said the administration wanted to bring down on-road fatalities. “We will continue with the action against traffic rule violators under the Motor Vehicle Act,” the police commissioner said, adding that citizens also need to realize their responsibility and abide by the law.Besides the police action, there are issues involving the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) that need to be addressed. “Issues related to shifting of bus stops, painting of zebra crossings, signal synchronization and installation of additional signals will be taken up with the PMC. We are looking at a better collaboration with the civic body,” Venkatesham said.Passport poser for road rule violatorsHe said the police have received many suggestions from citizens on social media, which would be considered.Soon after Venkatesham took charge as the CP on Monday, the traffic police swung into action with special drives against various offences. Deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Ashok Morale, said fines worth Rs 2,54,900 has been collected from 919 traffic rule violators since Monday.Motorcyclists with modified silencers and those riding triple seat were the focus of the special drive. “We have also been asked to create awareness and enforcement programmes that can be conducted in the city for better traffic discipline,” Morale said.