Siliguri Metropolitan Police launched a new citizens’ interface to give residents and visitors an opportunity to approach law enforcers on traffic management issues.

On Thursday, the traffic wing of the police announced a WhatsApp number that residents can use to file complaints and pass information.

“Anybody can send a WhatsApp message to this number (9091929499) and inform us about traffic violation or register a complaint related to traffic. This new facility, we believe, can help the police with more inputs to manage traffic more effectively,” said Abhishek Gupta, deputy commissioner (traffic) of the SMP.

The police have launched a campaign on social media to make people aware of this new interface.

“People can inform us about traffic snarls or reckless driving on this number. In the second case, one needs to click a picture of the registration plate of the vehicle and post it to us with details,” said a police officer.

“We are also trying to stop the practice of riding bikes with modified silencers that causes noise pollution,” he added.

Over the past few weeks, the police have launched electronic signal systems in a number of new crossings in Siliguri. A number of roads have been marked as one-way routes to reduce traffic congestion.

“We are also in touch with local authorities like the civic body and are drawing up plans to speed up traffic across Siliguri, especially along busy thoroughfares. Anti-encroachment drives are being carried out regularly these days to prevent narrowing of roads,” added the officer.