DMP launches e-wrecker system for transparent fine collection

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police has launched e-wrecker system to bring transparency and accountability in its fine collection process for violating parking rules.

The DMP Traffic Division introduced the system on Wednesday in response to complaints from commuters that they do not get any receipt or document against their fine payment to avoid wrecking, a penalty for violating parking rules.  

The Traffic Division launched the system for its north zone on a test basis. It hopes to launch the system all over the city gradually.  

Transport experts, vehicle owners and the commuters expressed satisfaction over the new decision.

Vehicle owners said now their paid money would be added to the revenue instead of filling the pockets of the corrupt traffic policemen.

Saifun Newaz, an assistant professor of Accident Research Institute of Buet, said e-wrecking process will save time and also bring transparency and accountability in the system.

“People claim that they are fined for illegal parking but they do not get any papers against it. It shows their fine does not go to the state revenue. Hence, we sought for an e-wrecking system in DMP crime conference,” said an assistant commissioner of Traffic North Division, seeking anonymity.

This correspondent spoke to a number of vehicle owners and they echoed the same.

Shameul Islam Shovon, a private service holder, said he had a learner’s licence for his motorcycle. Recently he was fined Tk1,200 for not having driving licence but the traffic sergeant did not provide him with any paper against the fine.

“I cleared the fine in cash but the sergeant did not give me any receipt. When I asked for one, he misbehaved with me,” he said.

Zulfikar Ali, senior assistant commissioner of airport traffic zone, said, “We have demanded for e-wrecking system for a long time. The DMP has finally launched it. We hope it will make the wrecking system corruption free.”

Mofizuddin Ahmed, additional commissioner (traffic) of the DMP, also acknowledged the allegations regarding wrecker fine system.

He said this system will bring accountability in traffic management and curb corruption.

He also said many steps for better traffic management are underway.

“We are trying to adopt the traffic system of Vietnam’s Hanoi with the help of experts from Buet. We will bring a better traffic management system than Hanoi soon,” he added.

The e-Traffic Prosecution system was launched in the capital in 2012 in a bid to bring transparency to the process of collecting fines from vehicle owners and passers-by for breaking traffic rules.