Traffic police have decided to take on an initiative to minimise damage to four-wheelers while they are towed away by cranes for violation.

The cops have decided to bring hydraulic platforms, which will be used in the course of the towing.

Many motorists have been complaining about costly vehicles getting damaged owing to the towing process.

The first such platform is expected to arrive in Patna by this weekend, Patna superintendent of police (traffic) P.K. Das told The Telegraph on Wednesday.

"The police aren't responsible for any damage caused in the vehicle while it is getting towed away. The police or the towing service provider doesn't damage the vehicle on purpose," the superintendent of police said.

Jainendra Kumar, a surgeon at Patna Medical College and Hospital, was in a state of shock to find his four-wheeler in a bad condition parked at the traffic police station.

"My car was towed from the Exhibition Road day before yesterday for wrong parking. I have paid the fine but now I would have to spend a huge amount of money to get the car fixed. The police should answer to the same, Jainendra said.

The police said orders had been given to purchase four iron platforms, each costing Rs 50,000.

"These platforms would be hydraulic and would have wheels on the two ends. The car would be first pulled onto this platform and will be lifted up. With the front end of the platform having been lifted, the crane will pull the platform and not the car. This will ensure that the vehicle getting towed doesn't suffer much damage. However, the people have to know it is their own fault owing to which their vehicles are getting damaged. Wrong parking is an offence," the superintendent of police said.

Since the announcement of the Assembly polls, the city has witnessed major vehicle checks in different parts.

On Wednesday, until 5pm, a total of 33 vehicles were towed away and a total of 530 vehicles were fined for different offences.

On Tuesday, the police had towed away 10 vehicles. On Monday, the police had towed away 32 vehicles and 279 vehicle owners were slapped with fines.

"The first such platform will arrive within three days, the police expect. Five cranes are presently being brought into use for the same. Also, starting today, in addition to the fines, the police will also charge the towing charges from the offenders. For four-wheelers, the towing charges stand at Rs 600, the same stand at Rs 400 for two-wheelers. It is the people who should change themselves," the superintendent of police said.