Akin to mobile pre-paid cards, now citizens can get a smart card that can be refilled to pay for traffic violations. The Hyderabad Traffic Police plan to introduce the new method of cashless payment in about a month’s time. According to senior officials of the Hyderabad Traffic Police, talks are on with four banking and financial institutions for a tie-up to implement the project.

If the project is successful, then the smart cards might be adopted as a mode of payment by other state departments as well and linked to other services.

“For the first two offences we are giving time to the violators to pay fines and letting them go. If the previous challans are not paid even after the third offence, then we are seizing the vehicle and asking the person to go and pay the fine. Many might find such situations uncomfortable and smart cards can help them pay fines instantly,” said a senior traffic official of the Hyderabad Traffic Police. A team of officials are also studying how to effectively introduce the system. Right from making available the recharge coupons widely to acquiring devices, the officials are considering all the aspects of the model.

Presently, the offenders can pay challans online or at banks, post offices and e-seva centres. With the smart card, the violation amount can be paid through a plastic card that will be swiped against a device that will be handed out to the traffic officials.

Tenders are also expected to be floated soon for this first-of-its-kind project being implemented by the traffic police.

Presently, the offenders can pay challans online or at banks, post offices and e-seva centres