Bhubaneswar, Nov. 24: Mobile-based App Ame Prahari, which was launched on October 5 to enable citizens to send images and videos of traffic violations, has so far attracted more than 1,000 users.

Based on the evidence shared by Android mobile phone users, the transport department has detected around 200 violations within a span of one and a half months.

Regional transport officer, Bhubaneswar II, S.K. Behera said they had already served notices to 62 violators on the basis of the App. "They need to appear before us and accordingly we will decided whether to impose penalty on them or to suspend their driving licences," said Behera, who also conceptualised the App.

Behera said most of the violations are regarding over-crowded passenger buses, trucks carrying passengers and transport vehicles transporting goods dangerously. "We are receiving hundreds of images and videos from various parts of the state. The senders need to capture the registration plates properly with the violation so that we are able to ascertain the ownership of the vehicles," said Behera.

Transport department officials said the RTO, Bhubaneswar II, was at present the compounding authority of traffic violations detected through the App but from December, an official working with the State Transport Authority, would be the nodal officer for collection of penalty.

To download the App, Android phone users need to download it from Google playstore and register his or her name.

Officials said the transport department should start a drive to popularise the App. "The App can be an effective tool to encourage citizens to play their part in road safety and traffic enforcement. But it should be advertised properly," said a transport official.