Kolkata: The city traffic police are relying on automated traffic solutions to beat the summer heat. With senior officers unable to reduce duty hours, the new initiative — that includes automated signalling and CCTV-generated traffic prosecutions during the lean afternoon hours — is allowing time for traffic constables to take breaks. “Since the signals are automated, especially between noon and 4 pm, we are allowing constables to keep an eye on traffic under the shade.The newly ordered 15Lmatkas are also being set up,” an officer said.
Bidhannagar cops are handing out sunglasses, caps and gloves to the traffic personnel, as well as disbursing ORS sachets and setting up water coolers. In a special drive from Thursday, even passersby will be offered these items for relief. On city roads where auto signalling is a challenge, two constables have been assigned the same duty, alternating being in the shade and on the road.
Other steps that Lalbazar has announced include switching leather belts for synthetic ones, providing neck coolers to constables, and asking them to not wear anklets to reduce weight of the uniform.