Patil sees red on cops saluting cars

Many a time the vehicle is empty or just carries the dignitary’s kin

MUMBAI: Traffic cops in the city could just be in for a big image makeover and they can thank RR Patil for this.

The deputy chief minister plans to do away with the servile practice of policemen saluting cars with red or amber beacons. He has asked police commissioner DN Jadhav to fill him in on the genesis of this practice. In many cases, cops salute empty cars or the wrong individuals.

“Many a time, the dignitary concerned travels in an ordinary car while constables keep saluting cars with a beacon,” Patil said. He said appropriate directions would be issued once he got a reality check report from the police commissioner.]

Director general of police, PS Pasricha said this would boost the morale of policemen. “Even in the past, directions were issued that salutes were to be given to cars sporting beacons or the flag. They are meant for dignitaries and not their wives and children,” he said.

Patil also announced yet another initiative on drunken driving. “We have ordered 60 more breathalysers in addition to the existing to be deployed on highways and big cities like Pune, Thane and Nashik,” he said.