Reporting drivers on Facebook

France24 ^ | August 6th, 2010 | Gagan Gupta

[csvset]

New Delhi only has about 5,000 traffic police officers for the 12 million inhabitants. To control the traffic, the police have to count on… Facebook users!

Delhi Traffic Police launched their their Facebook page at the end of April. It attracts Internet users who report on the state of traffic and they give advice and respond to questions related to the Highway Code. However, even though the website has attracted 18,000 fans, it is above all because citizens have taken the initiative of posting photos of driving offences. Driving without a helmet, overloaded lorries, unreadable license plates, Internet users have already posted over 3,000 photos, along with the vehicle’s registration, date, time and place of the infringements. According to police officer Satyendra Garg, cited in the New York Times, this method has already prompted 665 verbal warnings.

There have been enthusiastic reactions on the Facebook page, with several congratulatory messages. As Paresh Takkar wrote on Tuesday: "I couldn’t believe my eyes! I posted the message and action was taken within ten minutes!!! WOW… Delhi Traffic Police ought to be rewarded for their swift response. Carry on the good work… soon motorists will be scared they they will be photographed.."

However, most of these photos have been taken whilst driving, which itself is an offence.

[csvset]

I dream that Indians will one day follow the rules of the road like in developed countries.

Good luck with that.

[DemonDeac]

I’m never a big fan of the government encouraging citizens to spy on other citizens.

[righttackle44]

On the other hand, they could simply give bad drivers driving badly five yard penalties.

[martin_fierro]

Don't caste aspersions.

[mikrofon]

I can see people purposely driving around looking for offenders, just to curry favor with the cops...

[EggsAckley]

Martin......it is just too early for that behavior.

Please go to your room.