A cultural programme organised by the Siliguri traffic police. Picture by Kundan Yolmo

Siliguri, Aug. 6: The Siliguri traffic police have adopted “Gandhigiri” to tackle violators during road safety week, discarding fines and chargesheets in favour of a quiet word or two.

“To create awareness among the violators, we are explaining to them how they broke the rules and what they should do for a safe and hassle-free journey,” said Prasanta Chanda, the deputy police superintendent of Siliguri (traffic).

The violations can be anything from riding on a two-wheeler without helmet to crossing the road at the wrong spot. While no one is being fined now, that will change once the traffic safety week ends on August 9.

“Unless people become aware of the traffic rules, accidents and deaths will continue to occur,” said Robin Thapa, the officer-in-charge of the Siliguri traffic police.

According to data available with the Siliguri assistant regional transport office, around 80,000 registered vehicles ply in the town.

The Siliguri traffic police have also organised several programmes — including a colourful procession, cultural programmes, a free eye check-up camp, a sit-and-draw competition and a quiz contest — to spread awareness on the force’s role. They have also taken the help of students from different institutions to help control traffic in town.

“The free eye camp was held at Hill Cart Road yesterday, where 225 people came. We will arrange for cataract operations for nine of them and 15 others will be given free spectacles,” said the deputy police superintendent.

On the final day of the traffic safety week, the force will give green cards to 20 drivers who have never violated the rules or been involved in any accident. “We will also felicitate some of the traffic officials on the basis of their performances and give prizes to the winners of the quiz contest and the sit-and-draw competition,” Chanda added.