Now, SMS away your traffic woes
Mumbai police launch toll-free SMS service through which people caught in
traffic snarls can inform authorities about the problem
ABHIJIT SATHE
Next time you are caught in a traffic snarl, or do not know how to take
an alternate route to get out of the traffic jam, or even if you see
something on the road which you think obstructs the flow of vehicular
traffic, just send an SMS to 3040.
Beginning Saturday, Mumbai traffic police is launching a tollfree SMS
service, through which you can have a symbiotic relationship with the
traffic cops. You inform them of the traffic problems you experience, and
they will fight out the problem.
The topping is that you will not be charged for the SMS you send on the
above number.
Moreover, you will also get a feedback on the steps taken on your
suggestions.
“The idea behind the exercise is to build a network of informers who
will keep traffic police abreast of the traffic situation and help police
solve the problems,” DCP (traffic) Harish Baijal told Mumbai Mirror on
Friday.
Mumbai commissioner of police A N Roy will formally launch the SMS
service and inaugurate a control room dedicated to monitor the SMSes.
At present, subscribers of Reliance and Airtel can send SMSes to 3040,
but in coming days, subscribers of all cellular operators will be able to
send their suggestions to this toll-free numbers, Baijal said.
The messages sent on the number would be passed on to the traffic police
control room before the problem is transmitted through radio to the traffic
officers concerned.
Baijal said that SMSes relating to parking on no-parking zones, double
parking, and encroachment by hawkers on streets are also welcome and the
police will immediately act on such information.
The DCP said, as an acknowledgement of the information passed on, the
sender will get a feedback on what action was taken on his suggestion.