City Pulse

There has been a dip in the number of traffic violations booked in Bengaluru in 2018, when compared to the previous years. Active citizens like Kishore could be a reason for this.

This 40-year-old Banashankari resident has reported over 6500 traffic violations, within a span of two years on the Public Eye app. When asked why he reports violations, his answer was simple, ‘to save lives.’

People violating traffic rules are an everyday sight in Bengaluru. Even though the traffic police are taking stringent measures, there are some who seem unaffected.

Around 84 lakh cases were booked against motorists for violations in 2018 in Bengaluru. Though a drastic drop when compared to the 1.01 crore cases booked in 2017, the number is still appalling. 

While the police departments across the state are struggling with shortage of manpower, citizens who can aid police in controlling traffic violations could make a major impact.

Public Eye app an initiative by the Bengaluru Traffic Police in association with IChangeMyCity helps keep a tab on traffic violations and hence creates awareness. This app gives people a chance to be the eyes and ears of the traffic department, helping them report violations. If these violations are found valid, then the violator is identified on basis of the registered vehicle number and booked.

Kishore started using the Public Eye app in 2017. Having many friends in the Bengaluru traffic department, he was aware of the struggles faced by traffic cops. When he offered to help, one of his friends from the department suggested that he use the Public Eye app to report violations.

There was no looking back then for Kishore. An employee of an IT firm, he has even booked up to 60 complaints in a single day.

“I don’t go looking for violators. Whenever I happen to notice someone violating a rule while commuting to work or back home, I report the same on Public Eye,” Kishore said.

“The number of people violating traffic rules are shocking,” says Kishore adding that they not only put their life at risk but even of the law abiding citizens and become a reason for traffic congestion.

“Bringing a positive change is not a one way effort. We cannot expect the police to do everything. Citizens can play a huge part by following traffic rules and reporting the motorists breaking it, as this will act as a deterrent to the violator who will think twice before breaking law in future,” Kishore says.

However, Kishore says that reporting violations is not as easy as it seems. “Sometimes I have faced backlash from violators, who understand that I am reporting them. But this has not stopped me, as I know by doing my duty as a responsible citizen and making my city safer,” he adds.

The most common traffic violation Kishore notices is people not wearing helmet or seatbelt. "They don’t seem to realise that a simple precaution can become a lifesaver incase of mishap,” he adds.

Kishore was honoured by IChangeMyCity for doing his role of an active citizen and reporting the highest number of violations on Public Eye app.

You too can make a major difference to Bengaluru’s traffic scenario by reporting traffic violations on Public Eye. Click here to download the app.