Patna: In a major overhaul of traffic enforcement, Bihar Police has barred constables and assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) from stopping and checking vehicles. Under a new order issued by the police headquarters, only officers of sub-inspector (SI) rank and above will be authorised to conduct vehicle checks and verify documents.Addressing a news conference in Patna on Friday, ADG (Traffic) Sudhanshu Kumar said constables and ASIs would now be responsible only for traffic regulation and ensuring smooth movement of vehicles. “If any constable or ASI is found checking vehicles in violation of the order, departmental action will be taken,” he said.The new guidelines make it mandatory for traffic personnel on duty to use body-worn cameras, reflective jackets, light batons, whistles and helmets. If a body camera is found switched off during duty, the officer concerned must record the reason, following which a departmental review will be conducted.Kumar said body cameras must remain operational throughout duty hours. “If a camera is found switched off and a dispute arises with a motorist or member of the public, the police personnel concerned will be held responsible,” he said.He added that body-cam footage would help document police action and facilitate the resolution of public grievances.Traffic personnel will no longer be deployed at a single fixed point. Instead, they will be assigned specific road stretches and made accountable for maintaining smooth traffic flow throughout their designated areas.The ADG said a one-way traffic system would be introduced wherever required. Barricades, cranes and interceptors would be distributed zone-wise for optimal utilisation, while traffic personnel have been instructed to maintain a citizen-friendly approach while dealing with commuters.He also directed that all main roads, footpaths, public parking areas and no-vending zones designated by the Patna Municipal Corporation be kept free from encroachment. A continuous anti-encroachment drive will be carried out, and local police stations will be responsible for preventing re-encroachment after removal. Violators will face fines and penalties.Under the revised rules, on-the-spot e-challans can be issued only by authorised officers of SI rank and above. Electronic documents available through DigiLocker, including driving licences, registration certificates, insurance papers and pollution-under-control certificates, will be accepted as valid.An effective grievance redressal mechanism will also be established to address complaints related to enforcement, encroachment, uniform violations, alertness on duty, misuse of cellphones, illegal collections and misbehaviour. Kumar said all complaints would be investigated in a time-bound and impartial manner.He added that additional personnel would be deployed at congestion-prone locations and during peak traffic hours based on traffic forecasts, with DSP (Traffic) officers personally supervising traffic management when required.
