THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The City police would launch a campaign to curb overtaking through the left side of vehicles in the narrow and busy roads of the city in the wake of the increasing traffic menace created by erring motorists.

Announcing this at the meeting of office-bearers of Residents Associations at the SAP camp Nandavanam here on Saturday, City Police Commissioner K. Padmakumar sought the cooperation of the motorists and all sections of the people in preventing overtaking through the left side.

"Complaints are pouring in from all quarters against overtaking through the left side. We would have to book the erring motorists to prevent it. But once we start the drive all turn their ire towards the police," he said. The Commissioner said stern action would be taken against police personnel found harassing the motorists during the checking of vehicles.

Mr. Padmakumar said he would be meeting with Mayor C. Jayan Babu next week to discuss the issue of traffic signals and other matters. A proposal to bifurcate Peroorkada police station and new building for Thampanoor police station had also been taken up with the Government.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Harshita Ataluri, who was also present, said the motorists should not treat the checking of vehicles as an insult. "Bear five minutes of inconvenience with us as the checking of the vehicle would help the police in tackling chain snatching and other crime.

The basic idea is to help the public and not to harass them," she said.

Ms. Ataluri said the traffic personnel do not have adequate personnel and even the Sub-Inspectors do not have vehicles.

With the limited resources, the personnel are trying to render efficient service. "Attack on the police personnel would only affect the morale of the force," she added.

The Commissioner gave instructions to close down the illicit liquor outlet near Panchapura junction near Palayam and to streamline the patrolling and signing of beat books in the areas coming under Medical College station.

Assistant Commissioner of Traffic (North) J. Wilfred said the traffic wing has commenced taking action against erring motorists after noting down the registration numbers to bring down the accidents and ensure road discipline.

It was also decided to continue with the existing arrangement of the monthly meeting convened at police station as office-bearers of the associations opposed inviting elected representatives of the local bodies.

Assistant Commissioners, CIs and SIs from the city police stations participated in the meeting.

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