Hyderabad Police likely to use drones for traffic management: Jt CP Ranganath

Hyderabad Traffic Police have decided to use drones to manage traffic in the city.

Joint Traffic Commissioner, Hyderabad A V Ranganath, told NewsMeter that the department is looking out for the best drones in the market.

"Drones will help us to identify areas where there is traffic congestion. Our cops will visit the spot and attempt to ease the traffic," he explained.

In addition, the drones will help police to monitor improper parking and other issues.

"The command center will control the drones. Action will be taken immediately against any traffic violators," Ranganath said.

"Cops are posted on the main roads and main junctions. There are several busy roads where cops are not present. We have observed that many people park illegally, and don't wear helmets. We will focus on such areas. We will monitor them through drones," he added.

As many as a dozen drones will be pressed into service in a month.

Hyderabad Traffic Police are also going to buy more speed guns to put a check on over-speeding. Currently, the department has over half a dozen speed guns and is planning to purchase a dozen more.

Two weeks ago, the Hyderabad Traffic Police began towing old abandoned vehicles. More than 2500 vehicles were issued notices. Of which, 1000 vehicles have been towed away to date.

Meanwhile, Ranganath said police will invoke the provisions that call for imprisonment in drunken driving cases

There are approximately 7,000 pending cases in Hyderabad as of March 2022. These cases have been piling up since 2014.

"Since the pandemic has come to an end, we have written to the legal authorities to resume trial and award jail sentences in drunken driving cases. We will be taking strict enforcement on the same," Ranganath said.

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, drinking and driving shall be punishable for the first offense with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months or with a fine which may extend to Rs. 2,000 or both.

Ranganath also informed that the Hyderabad traffic police have begun conducting frequent checks to catch drunk drivers, particularly after midnight.