Food deliver staff, traffic cops to be on same WA groups
Times of India | 20 November 2024
12 Kolkata: At least six traffic guards in the south and added areas of Kolkata have decided to form WhatsApp groups for app-based delivery agents. They will share information about traffic bottlenecks that the agents can then avoid while out for deliveries.
While agents use Google data on a real-time basis, this is the first time that cops have decided to warn them of possible traffic bottlenecks so that they can plan in advance. "They are well aware of smaller bylanes and such inputs will help them decide their routes without taking risks," said an officer.
The Thakurpukur Traffic Guard has also promised police deployment outside major ‘food hubs' in their area to manage traffic during peak evening hours, provided they do not violate set traffic norms. This was the same guard where a delivery agent lost his life after being hit by a truck while riding at an alarming speed on the wrong lane of DH Road.
The decision was taken following multiple rounds of meetings and training by traffic guards, most recently by the ones at Thakurpukur, Garia and Diamond Harbour Road. An analysis of all two-wheeler accidents, both fatal and non-fatal, found that app-based bike riders were involved in some of them.
"It is alarming that they are the ones who were found to be one of the most frequent rule violators as far as rash driving, speeding and flouting of one-way rules are concerned," said an officer.
Lalbazar sources stated they planned to hold a meeting with transport officials soon to discuss ways to regulate the operations of platform-based aggregators, especially regarding their incentives. "We need to immediately discuss the incentive structures as several riders have blamed the same for flouting traffic rules," stated an officer.
Complaints have also been steadily pouring in from the public that these bikes were being parked illegally on roads and pavements, leading to major commute issues for those living near food hubs. Jnanendra Ghosh, a car owner residing at Paikpara, claimed that certain delivery agents were flouting all norms at will. "Police and the govt should intervene and do what it takes to fix loopholes and save citizens," claimed Ghosh.