Better PR, people-friendly policing and rewards for efficient traffic cops are among the priorities of former STF boss Sanjay Ranjan Singh, who is now SP of Ranchi traffic police.

Singh, who took charge on July 16, has already held a series of meetings with his department officials to understand the intricacies of traffic management of the state capital, something that has always been a tough challenge. Singh is expected to introduce training sessions for policemen to motivate them towards good policing.

"We discussed a proposal to identify policemen who do their job across traffic posts honestly and with good behaviour. We plan to choose some individuals of the city whose task will be to monitor the conduct of traffic cops posted at a specific post. These people will give us feedback. Cops who earn good feedback will be felicitated," he said, adding that the police would also request the media to write about such good cops.

Clearing Mahatma Gandhi Road, or Main Road, of encroachers and vendors as per the order of Jharkhand High Court is likely to be the biggest challenge for the new traffic police boss. No wonder, anti-encroachment drives at Main Road are vehemently opposed by vendors who have refused to relocate at places designated by Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) as hawker zones.

Singh said that he would hold a meeting with RMC to understand the issues. "A high court order must be complied with. But before starting any drive we will start an awareness campaign and if that fails we will act as per law," he said.

With growing instances of traffic violations by young people, Singh said police would launch a special drive to curb this trend next month.

"We have a two-pronged strategy. We will tap schools to teach children about traffic laws. If they are caught for traffic violations their parents will be summoned and they will be released only after furnishing a personal bond. But repeat offenders will be dealt with sternly," he said.

The traffic department, Singh noted, had also identified key localities across Ranchi where biker gangs were active. "I have ordered a crackdown against such gangs. I will monitor this drive personally," he said.

Singh also said that he would hold a meeting with FM channels, seeking their help for providing traffic updates.