The Chandigarh Traffic Police introduced
the concept of Traffic Marshals to the ‘City Beautiful’
in year 2004 in order to improve its interface with the citizens.
Under this scheme citizen volunteers are invited to participate
as ‘Marshals’ in the enforcement drives of the traffic
police. As a first step, the volunteers are sensitized about
the need for road safety and the role of traffic law enforcement
in achieving the same. The procedure adopted for the challaning
of traffic offenders is also explained to the marshals. The
marshal is then picked up from his residence at the time of
the planned joint enforcement activity after seeking his consent
in advance. The marshal then performs the task of answering
any queries posed by any traffic offender who is being challaned
in the field for the commission of a traffic offence. The marshal
serves as the community’s observer for ensuring complete
transparency and impartiality of the enforcement process. The
marshals often provide useful feedback on possible weaknesses
in the challaning process and suggestions to remove the same.
The Traffic Marshals are also invited to all Road Safety Events
and programmes organized by the traffic police.
Who can be a Traffic Marshal?
Any citizen can enroll as a Traffic Marshal.
Preference is given to senior citizens and retirees having some
relevant experience in public dealing.
How can you enroll as a Traffic Marshal?
As a first step the volunteer is required
to fill up an application
form and provide a copy of his latest passport size
photograph. In order to procure the form you may call
at the Toll Free Traffic Helpline Number 1073 and give
your mailing address. The form would be mailed to you
or may even be delivered by a special messenger. The filled
up form may then be mailed to the Office of the Superintendent
of Police, (Traffic) U.T. Police Headquarters, Sector
9D Chandigarh. The application form may also be downloaded
from this site. After a short trial period a special badge
is provided to the marshal in recognition of his services.
The badge is worn prominently by the marshal during joint
enforcement activity.
