A policeman uses the speed gun on a thoroughfare in Patna. Telegraph picture

Speedsters in Patna can breathe easy once the sun goes down. The lone speed gun used by police does not fire… err, work after dark.

“The traffic constables work from morning till 9pm in shifts. Using the machine during the night is difficult, as the cops don’t possess the necessary skill. But speeding, especially after dark, continues to be a problem,” a police officer told The Telegraph on condition of anonymity.

“There is a plan to get more speed guns within three months. Once the equipment arrive, training can be imparted and the police will launch a drive to check speeding on road,” the officer added.

At present, only five cops have the expertise to use the existing speed gun.

The gun, however, has been used after sunset only on special occasions.

“The gun was used during Holi, on Christmas night and New Year’s eve. Once more equipment arrive, the problem will be resolved,” the officer added.

Sources told The Telegraph that at least eight more speed guns would be procured soon and those would be used at various locations, particularly during night to check speeding two-and four-wheelers.

According to sources, the state capital had witnessed 52 road accidents during January and February, in which 25 people died.

In 2011, 132 people died in road accidents.

Sources said many of these accidents had occurred in the evening or night.

On February 27, two scooter-borne youths died on the spot after falling into a ditch near gate number 1 of Patna zoo. The accident had occurred because the duo were over-speeding.

“With only one machine in use, checking speeding islimited even during the day. At present, apart from the sergeant major (traffic) and the traffic police inspector, three more cops know how to use the machine. And with just one speed gun, checking can be done only on one stretch of a road at a given point of time,” the officer said.

The police are at present using the machine to check rash driving on Hardinge and Airport roads.

“Bailey Road, too, also becomes speed zone after 8pm. More equipment and trained personnel will solve the problem,” the officer said.