Enabling the citizens to have a round-the-clock two-way communication about traffic requirements,problems and the new traffic order in the state capital of Shimla,with them,the traffic police have opened a new channel for interaction by opening an account on Facebook. Videos,photographs and voice records of any traffic violations by citizens,misbehaviour by traffic police,including fleecing and bribery,can now make their way to the police through the social networking site. The experiment has been a success in a few states,such as New Delhi,where the Delhi Traffic Polices Facebook page has attracted a large number of complaints from the public. The response to a majority of complaints has been very prompt,with the Delhi Traffic Police also posting on its Facebook page the action taken against vehicles (with numbers) for violations. Traffic problems are increasing in Shimla each day with a rising number of vehicles choking the only arterial road Circular Cart Road that connects all major destinations. In view of the high VIP movement,the Facebook page will come handy in knowing about any special traffic arrangement in different areas. Shimla Superintendent of Police Sonal Agnihotri said: The experience of many organisations,including the police,at other places in using Facebook as an interaction platform has been quite successful and encouraged more participatory behaviour of people in governance. A majority of the younger generation living in the Shimla is on Facebook and the Shimla Traffic Police address trafficpoliceshimla@gmail.com on the website will make it easier for them to file complaints and give suggestions. The initiative is part of the ongoing traffic awareness week being observed by the state police.
