The Ahmedabad Traffic Police has introduced 250 new Point of Sale (POS) machines across the city. These devices have been distributed to the city’s 14 traffic police stations and have been in use for the past month to generate challans and recover fines on the spot. As part of a broader initiative by the state traffic department, a total of 500 machines have been allocated across four major cities, including Ahmedabad.
The new system aims to eliminate common excuses such as lack of cash or issues with online payments, ensuring violators can pay fines on the spot. For years, Ahmedabad’s Traffic Police have relied on digital tools like CCTV cameras, speed guns, and dashcams to identify violators. With the introduction of POS machines, fines can now be paid on the spot through cash, credit/debit cards, or QR codes, significantly improving recovery rates. Head constables and assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) have been trained to operate the machines efficiently.
According to senior officials, the new POS machines are equipped with advance features, including cameras to capture images of violators and QR codes for seamless digital transactions. They also support ATM card swipes, offering multiple payment options.
This is not the first time POS machines have been introduced, a similar initiative six years ago failed due to operational challenges. At the time, around 20-25 machines were provided to the department on a trial basis. However, technical issues in generating challans and delays in payment processing led to the machines being withdrawn and never fully implemented.
This time, the department is focused on addressing past shortcomings, ensuring that the machines are fully utilised to achieve their intended purpose. By streamlining the fine collection process, the Ahmedabad Traffic Police aims to reinforce compliance and improve efficiency in managing traffic violations.