An open letter to the Bangalore Police Commissioner

Subject: Traffic Scene in Bangalore.

Dear commissioner,
I think I speak for the majority of Bangaloreans when I say that the traffic scene in this city of ours has become horrible. While I admit that the unprecedented increase in the number of vehicles is largely to blame, I'm sorry to say that a significant portion of the blame must lie at your personal doorstep.
I find it shameful that drivers have all but lost any regard for the yellow line. Jumping red lights has become 'acceptable'.
Speeding, even when pedestrians are around, is common. And last but not least, usage (or should I say abuse) of the horn has increased phenomenally.

I fully appreciate that a policeman's job is totally thankless. My sympathies are with the common police constable who stands in the dust and pollution and controls traffic.
But I find it scary that the people seem to have totally lost any respect/fear for the police constabulary. Rules are flouted at important junctions even when Patrol vehicles are parked nearby. In fact, I suspect, the constables ignore, sometimes even encourage, the violation of basic traffic rules.

Vehicles with engines revving, start moving even when there are 4-5 seconds for the light to turn green. Pedestrians are left to fend for themselves. I don't have to tell you that in many countries abroad, this would be treated as a major offence, one that even would warrant a license revoke.
I'm sure all this must have been brought to your attention many times in the past. You may even have witnessed most of these occurrences yourself. Yet, I find it hard to believe that you are a mute spectator.

The traffic police must do more to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. I can give you an example. Margosa Road in Malleshwaram has been recently made two-way. Yet, there is no yellow line separating the opposing flows of traffic.
When the public sees that the police is not serious about its business, how can you expect it to be serious about obeying rules ?

I know I'm just a common man and I should not be lecturing you on how to do your job. But I have a few suggestions to make.

* Lobby with the Chief Minister to increase the salary of the Police Constable. I strongly believe the constable will do his duty more responsibly when he is adequately compensated.
* Come down heavily on traffic offenders. The current fines of Rs 50 or Rs 100 is ridiculously little. Road users should have the decency to obey rules. When it has become obvious that they don't have it, I'm afraid it just has to be imposed upon them, whether they like it or not. It is only when people realize that they risk associated with breaking a rule is too high, will they start to behave responsibly.
* Computerize and link the RTO offices of the state. Traffic offences of each individual should be digitized so that with just a swipe of a card, a constable should be able to view his/her complete history. Each offence should be penalized more than the previous one. As soon as the people realize that their records are available to the authorities easily, compliance will automatically set in.
* Red lights should be photo enforced.
* Usage of horns should be severely curtailed. I really don't know how this can be done. But I'm sure your good office can think of a way.
* Jaywalkers should be dealt with severely.
* The STOP sign concept that is prevalent in countries like the US should be introduced in India. I believe this will go a long way in reducing accidents at junctions. Please do whatever it takes to get this implemented. Bangalore may be a good place to start.


Sir, things are spiraling out of control. Soon it may be too late to take corrective action.
I beg you to treat this letter seriously.

Thanks for your time.
Krishna