The Commissioner of Police T Yoganand flagged off 11 SUV highway patrol vehicles under the Road Safety Programme for National Highways yesterday. The state government has purchased 66 vehicles for patrolling the NH16.
The Commissionerate here has received 11 of those 66 vehicles purchased with the aim of reducing the rate of fatal accidents on the highway. These vehicles will also help accident victims gain assistance when required and help in reduction of crime on highways. The new highway patrol vehicles are reportedly fitted with a HD surveillance camera, recording system, fire extinguisher, GPS and a first-aid kit.
Each vehicle is said to have an ASI, two constables and a home guard who will patrol round-the-guard in three shifts. Speaking to The Hindu, T Yoganand said, “The vehicles will patrol the 73-km NH 16 stretch that passes through the city from Anandapuram to Lankelapalem. The rate of fatal accident is very high and the vehicles will be on 24×7 duty not only to enforce safe driving but also serve as rescue vehicles to move the injured to the nearest trauma centre.”
ADCP of Traffic, K Mahendra Patrudu stated that there are about 60 dark spots along the NH16 and the newly launched vehicles will now focus on these spots along the 73 KM stretch.
