TCP accused of committing excesses
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 05 2013: Traffic Control Police (TCP) who have conducting a special drive after opening traffic pickets at MG Avenue function, near LIC office, Nagamapal-RIMS crossing and Shamu Makhong have been accused of committing certain excesses.

One Transport Department official told The Sangai Express pointed out that the foremost duty of Traffic Police is traffic regulation.

However, traffic police were granted certain powers after they were treated with disrespect and contempt while doing duty by some people.

However, traffic police are now discharging their duties above the powers granted to them.

On the other hand, on account of being under-staffed, Director, Deputy Director and Joint Directors have been doing such works which otherwise should be done by clerks.

Inadequate staff and the fast increasing number of vehicles were other factors which accounted for granting certain powers to Traffic Police.

Any one driving motor vehicles should possess driving licence, RC book, insurance documents, smoke PUC and if the vehicles are commercial vehicles they should possess route permits, medical fitness certificates, documents for passenger/goods tax etc.

Insurance is of two types namely third party risk insurance and comprehensive insurance.

Third party risk insurance means when person hit a vehicle with his/her vehicle causing damages, necessary amount for repairing the damaged vehicle can be claimed from this type of insurance.

If the vehicle happens to be commercial vehicle, driven by a hired doctor, insurance amount can be claimed for injuries suffered by passengers as well as the driver.

But the owner cannot claimed money for the damages suffered by his/her vehicle.

The third party risk insurance is secondary according to Section 146 of the Motor vehicle Act 1988.The same section has a penal provision of Rs 500 .

However, comprehensive insurance is mandatory under Motor vehicle Act.

Premium for this type of insurance is much bigger and Traffic Police has no authority to check insurance documents nor are they empowered to seize vehicles for carrying loads heavier than the guaranteed load, explained the official.

Nevertheless, Traffic Police have been imposing files if one is caught driving vehicles without driving licence, RC book and insurance documents.

Incidentally, Traffic Police are unaware which types of insurance is mandatory and which are not.

If one can produce some documents of any type of insurance, they are spared from paying fines.

But he/she does not have any insurance documents, they are forced to pay fines without following the normal procedure laid down in the Motor Vehicle Act, the official added.

Comment