Chair with umbrella to bring respect, relief for traffic cops

Surat: The harrowing days when a traffic policeman posted at a busy traffic junction in the city had to run around looking for a shelter to escape the heat and dust are over. Traffic policemen will now be getting a set comprising an umbrella with a desk for a seating arrangement for two persons. The portable set will give the policemen the much deserved break and also create a respectable working condition for them.
A traffic policeman sitting under a tree on a motorcycle or in an autorickshaw is a usual sight at major traffic junctions during summer afternoons and in heavy rains.Posted at one location for over six hours, the policemen find these as easy options to take rest for a while. The umbrella set will allow them to take rest and stay alert.
This is a part of the plan to improve performance of traffic police. The policemen and traffic brigade jawans were recently offered buttermilk and energy drinks on roads during summer afternoons. Further, those above 55 years of age were relieved of field traffic duties by the higher-ups.
The umbrella will be placed on the roadside from where a traffic policeman will be visible and can also keep watch on traffic movement. The umbrella sets will be approved for all locations from where policemen manage traffic.
"It is a challenging task for anyone to work long hours standing on road. This is why many times traffic personnel are forced to sit on motorcycles, under trees to take a break. This concept has been introduced to give them a proper seating arrangement with shelter," police commissioner Ashish Bhatia said.
"The umbrella set will be like a chowki for a policeman where he can rest and also work. He will be visible to the commuters too," Bhatia added.