Latest news with #GCTP
The Hindu
7 days ago
- The Hindu
Traffic police issue advisory on fake challans
The Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) has issued an advisory on fraudulent WhatsApp messages circulating, using the GCTP logo as a display picture and sharing links that mimic traffic challan payments. The advisory also appealed to the public not to click on these links —they may be deceptive. 'If you receive such messages, promptly report them to us,' said the GCTP. A senior police officer said earlier, fraudsters send challans and phishing links looking deceptively similar to those issued by the traffic police. Now they have adopted this new technique of sending fraudulent WhatsApp messages, using the GCTP logo as a display picture and sharing links that mimic traffic challan payments. However no complaint was received yet. The e-challan scam involves sending a WhatsApp message about a traffic violation with a link. When clicked or when an app is downloaded via the link, the fraudsters gain access to the bank accounts of the user. These fake websites look similar to official portals and are designed to steal credit card details, Aadhaar numbers, and login credentials, said Sankaraj Subramanian, a cyber expert.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- The Hindu
Parents face the consequences of road accidents caused by underage drivers
In a bid to crack down on underage driving, the Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) have been arresting and remanding parents of minors causing road accidents. According to police, five persons have been killed and 22 injured in accidents that involved minors behind the wheel in the past four months. Not only is underage driving illegal but it also puts drivers, passengers, and other road users at risk. At Kumaran Colony in Vadapalani on the evening of April 7, the parents of a 13-year-old boy asked him to put the cover for their car. Instead, the minor took the car out for a drive on the sly and even picked up his friend. When the vehicle was near Kumaran Nagar Main Road, the boy lost control of it and hit two men. One of them, M. Mahalingam, 83, of Saligramam, died of a head injury at the hospital and the other Gangadharan, 49, was injured. The car was completely damaged. The next day, the Traffic Investigation Wing (TIW) arrested the boy's father and sent him to judicial remand. The boy was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board and sent to an observation home. A few days later, in yet another case, Sampath, 76, was injured after a 16-year-old boy allegedly rammed him with a two-wheeler when he was walking on the road in Saligramam. The juvenile boy was riding his mother's two-wheeler. Car overturns On April 1, a 17-year-old boy, accompanied by four of his friends, took his father's car for a drive in Vyasarpadi. He drove the car rashly and lost control, which resulted in it overturning after hitting a concrete wall. The TIW, Vyasarpadi, nabbed the juvenile driver and seized the car. The parent of the minor was booked under the relevant laws. A senior traffic police officer said: 'On most occasions, the parents themselves encourage their children to ride two-wheelers to go to nearby shops, tuition centres, and school without realising the consequences and that rules do not allow minors to drive. In a few instances, minors drive the vehicles without the knowledge of their parents.' On Monday, a 14-year-old boy rode his father's bike in Poonamallee, with his two friends riding pillion. When they were near Malayambakkam, the boy lost control of the vehicle and rammed a concrete median. The rider died on the spot in the impact, and the two others were rushed to a hospital in critical condition. According to statistics of the GCTP, there were five fatal accidents and five persons were killed in road accidents caused by the underage drivers-minors and over 22 persons were injured in such accidents. In 2014, 13 fatalities were reported and 33 persons were injured. So far in this year, five persons have been killed, 22 injured. A senior officer of the GCTP said Section 199-A of the Motor Vehicles Act dealt with offences committed by juveniles. As per the provision, the guardian of the juvenile in question or the vehicle's owner would be held liable for the accident. The guardian or owner would be punishable with imprisonment of up to three years and a fine of ₹25,000. The officer said parents and guardians would be held responsible for the accidents, whether fatal or non-fatal. 'Recently, at least 12 parents have been remanded in judicial custody in underage driving cases. We are taking strict action against the violators,' he added. Rajkumar Muthukrishnan, child rights activist and lawyer, Madras High Court, said accidents caused by underage driving posed grave risks to children's safety and the broader community. Disrespect for rules 'When minors flout traffic laws, it normalises disrespect for rules, undermining our collective trust in road safety. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to secure vehicles and educate children. We support stricter penalties for negligence, including fines or community service. Schools must integrate road safety into their curricula and collaborate with the traffic police for workshops on road safety,' he said. Mr. Muthukrishnan added that authorities should implement stricter enforcement such as impounding vehicles used by minors and patrolling accident-prone zones. Number of accidents caused due to underage driving Year Fatal accidents Non-fatal accidents 2023 5 22 2024 13 33 2025 (as of April) 5 22
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Operation Sindoor: Traffic diversion in Chennai for CM Stalin's solidarity rally
The Greater Chennai Police has announced traffic diversion on Kamarajar Salai on Saturday (May 10, 2025) in view of the solidarity march to be led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to support the Indian Defence Forces, which has launched Operation Sindoor. The march is scheduled at 5 pm from Light House and will conclude at the War Memorial near Napier bridge. An estimated 25,000 participants including Ministers, dignitaries, students, and the general public are expected to take part in the march. The Great Chennai City Traffic Police(GCTP) announced traffic diversion which will be implemented between 4 pm to 6 pm. During the procession, vehicles will not be allowed on Kamarajar Salai from the War memorial to the LightHouse. Police said vehicles coming from Thiruvanmiyur towards Parry's corner via Kamarajar Salai are not allowed. Instead, they can use Sardar Patel Road, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Anna Salai to reach their destination. Similarly, vehicles coming from Parry's to Thiruvanmiyur are also not allowed. Instead, they will use Anna Salai, Teynampet, Gandhi Mandapam Road to reach Madhya Kailash. MTC buses from Anna Statue will be diverted towards Wellington Junction, GP road, Tower Clock, GRH point, Royapettah High Road, Lloyds Road, Jambulingam Street, RK Salai - VM Street, Mandaveli, Mylapore to reach their destination. Similarly vehicles from Greenways Junction towards Santhome will be diverted towards Mandaveli,RA Puram 2nd main road, TTK Salai, RK Salai, Anna Salai to reach their destination. Commercial vehicles are restricted in Kamarajar Salai, Anna Salai, Santhome High Road, R.K Salai, Cathedral Road, Wallajah road from 12 noon to 9 pm, said the GCTP Similarly parking arrangements have also been made. All the vehicles dropping participants at Kamarajar Salai near Gandhi statue- starting point of the procession will be redirected to Swami Sivanandha Salai, Island Ground for parking. Additional parking place is also provided at PWD ground for the participants. VIP vehicles will enter island ground via flagstaff road to park their vehicles. Other motorists are advised to plan the alternative route avoiding the Kamarajar Salai.
New Indian Express
28-04-2025
- Automotive
- New Indian Express
Road deaths in Chennai drop 14% in 2025; GCP patrols respond to emergencies in five minutes
CHENNAI: Fatalities on Chennai roads have dropped by 14% in 2025, from January 1 to April 25, compared to the same period in 2024, said a press note from the Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP). While it was 173 in 2024, it has come down to 149 this year. The police attribute the drop in numbers to stricter enforcement against speeding, drunken driving, and helmetless riding by way of manual checks and using tech like ANPR cameras, 2D speed radars, and vehicle interceptor systems. The police have also enhanced patrolling, awareness drives, and public education campaigns promoting road discipline and the use of protective gear, the press note said. Apart from this, training programmes for police personnel on using tech, along with workshops for school children, bus drivers, and delivery agents, have helped, the press note said. Accident-prone spots are actively identified and rectified by improving road conditions, signage, and lighting, it added. 5-min response time for emergency calls Chennai: The Greater Chennai Police (GCP) have said that their patrol teams have maintained a five-minute response time to 69,629 emergency calls so far this year. Covering 12 police districts, GCP deploys 234 patrol vehicles, alongside 29 additional patrols, 98 Gypsy patrols, and 25 special mobile units, operating round the clock, said a press note. It said that emergency calls to the 100 helpline are routed from the State Police Master Control Room (SPMCR) directly to patrols via radio. Every vehicle is GPS-tracked to monitor movement and ensure timely responses. Typically, patrols are stationed near busy areas like transport hubs, schools, and major junctions. Beyond emergency responses, they assist with calls concerning fire hazards, power issues, and civic problems, coordinating with other departments as needed. ENS
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Fatal accidents in city down by 14%
Chennai: Greater Chennai Traffic Police (GCTP) have claimed they brought down fatal accidents in the city by 14% in the first four months of 2025, compared to last year. Official data shared by GCTP says, 149 deaths have been recorded as of April 25 this year. During the same period last year, the number was 173. This drop is consistent with the state's numbers. Tamil Nadu police headquarters said a couple of days ago that the state had recorded a 15% drop in fatalities in first quarter of 2025. There were 4,136 deaths in the first three months of 2025, as against 4,864 deaths in the corresponding period in 2024. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai GCTP, in a statement, said remedial measures were taken to reduce road accidents and enhance safety through increased enforcement, patrolling, and zero accident day initiatives. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo "In coordination with the experts, GCTP facilitated training programs for police towards technological approaches for accident reductions and through workshops and safety education programs for schoolchildren, bus drivers, and delivery agents," the release stated. GCTP strengthened its enforcement strategy by booking more cases against overspeeding, drunken driving, speeding, and riding without a helmet through manual checks and technological initiatives like ANPR cameras, 2D speed radar systems, and vehicle interceptor systems throughout the city. GCTP also identify and fix accident-prone spots by improving road conditions, signage, and lighting. "These collective efforts have led to a significant reduction in fatal deaths when compared to last year in Chennai city," police said.
