Feb. 17: Lalbazar has ordered 10 traffic guards each to use a mobile app to prosecute 100 offenders daily.

The move, aimed at popularising the app that was launched last year but found few takers, has raised questions if the minimum number of prosecutions can be fixed.

Many of the 25 traffic guards in the city see more than 1,000 prosecutions daily. But there are also some that see fewer than 100 prosecutions a day. The volume depends on the location and traffic flow, an officer said.

A circular, dated February 16, 2017, issued by the traffic control room asked the 10 traffic guards to use KTP Challan, an Internet-based app, to prosecute offenders. The remaining traffic guards in the heart of Calcutta haven't received any such instruction.

No police officer Metro spoke to could recall such a written order quantifying the number of daily prosecutions. "How can someone set a margin?" an officer with a traffic guard asked.

A traffic department source said the move was aimed at effective use of the app in the added areas in the jurisdiction of Tiljala, Kasba, East Jadavpur, Garia, Regent Park, Jadavpur, Diamond Harbour, James Long Sarani, Thakurpukur and Metiabruz traffic guards.

An officer who has used the app said it made work easier but had its disadvantages, too. "It consumes a lot of data and there is no reimbursement. So, it is more economical to do the work on paper like we have been doing all these years."

He said the emphasis in proper Calcutta was on maintaining smooth traffic flow and VIP movement. So, traffic guards in the added areas will have to be more proactive in imposing fines and prosecuting offenders.