Ahmedabad commuters unleashing mayhem on roads, say cops

Errant Amdavadi drivers have pushed traffic cops to exasperation, making fines and punishment evitable.

Looking at the way commuters are violating traffic rules, the agitated cops feel stringent action alone can change the traffic situation in the city.

ACP of traffic police, RG Jadeja, feels Amdavadis are an uncivilised lot on the road, who feel traffic rules can be bent as per one's convenience.

"Making people follow traffic rules is a major issue in this city. They never co-operate when caught breaking a rule. That wrong-doings merit punishment is a concept most have difficulty digesting here", he says.

Complaining about the prejudice people have towards traffic cops, Jadeja says whenever they try to be strict, they are accused of being inhuman. "Moreover, the police are also freely branded as corrupt. But people do not understand the trouble a cop has to take, that he is on his toes even in sweltering heat, to keep traffic in control", he says.

He adds that most people start arguing the moment they are caught, and start blaming the police to avoid being penalised. "Morever, as the fine is a very small amount, people prefer to break rules rather than follow them. There is a need to increase the fine from Rs50 to Rs500, to deter people from breaking laws", he feels.