'Traffic fraud' puzzling Kerala vehicle owners

Kerala Kaumudi reported yesterday about traffic fines reaching vehicle users again despite many of them completing the penalty payments. The initial conclusion points to a software glitch. The reason for this error is a failure to coordinate between the virtual court of the 'e-challan' court, which receives the fine amount, and the Parivahan of the Motor Vehicles Department. There are also doubts about a cyber-fraud ongoing behind the veneer.

Most vehicle owners pay the fine arrears for not renewing their fitness and permit. And now, even after completing the payments, they are being bothered by the second fine, and the subsequent services are disrupted due to the incorrect recording of the amount paid initially.

The Parivahan site was hacked earlier. The current issue is also suspected to be the handiwork of hackers who accessed the site earlier. As technological facilities progress, it is very good to utilise their benefits for public service matters. The repeated trouble with websites and the fear of hacking is taking a toll on vehicle owners. The Transport Commissioner asked people to present receipts of the fine paid online to avoid further steps. It is simply not feasible for all to produce receipts.

The Transport Department is responsible for ensuring that those who have paid through the official system do not fall for any scam. It is high time the department finds a solution to end the quagmire. Recently, the breath analyser tests went wrong with KSRTC drivers bringing much shame to the department. Similar to this incident, now the vehicle owners have to face a double whammy because of the shortcomings in the implementation of a good software system. Quality technical equipment is the need of the hour, and the government should ensure all possible means to make it accessible for the officials.

Transport Minister K.B. Ganesh Kumar is doing an excellent job in increasing revenue by introducing innovative reforms in KSRTC. It would be good if the minister also turns his attention to the activities of the Motor Vehicles Department. Those who pay fines for violating traffic rules often curse the pothole-filled roads. The High Court had observed the other day that it was enough to have roads that do not kill people, rather than going for international standard asphalt. The court even doubted whether the engineers inspected the roads properly.