Taizhou traffic violation whistle-blower scheme prompts heated debate

A traffic violation whistle-blowers scheme in Taizhou in east China's Zhejiang province is prompting heated debate, reports the Beijing News.

Taizhou whistle blowers can receive coupons to offset future violations imposed by traffic police. [Photo: Agencies]

Under the scheme anyone who sees a violation can tip off the traffic police via their WeChat social media account, noting the time and details of the event, and attaching at least three photos.

If confirmed by the traffic police they receive a cash reward ranging from 10 yuan to a maximum 2000 yuan (around 300 USD), plus coupons to offset any violations they themselves may commit in the future. Confirmation takes place within two days and the coupon is valid for one year.

Taizhou whistle blowers can receive coupons to offset future violations imposed by traffic police. [Photo: bjnews.com.cn]

In China, drivers can forfeit their licenses if they lose their annual 12-points allowance after breaking traffic laws.

The authorities say the scheme is designed to encourage city residents to uphold traffic safety.

Some legal experts suggest that only traffic police are allowed by law to collect evidence of traffic violations, and that photos taken by ordinary citizens can't be used as proof for punishing traffic violators.

The traffic violation tip-off portal. [Photo: bjnews.com.cn]

Others say the system of Whistle blower coupons will simply encourage further traffic violations.

One Taizhou traffic police officer told reporters that the scheme was only open to local residents and would be used in the minor traffic violations. "When you blow the whistle on somebody else, you will know that others are also watching you. It will create a mutual control relationship. "

In the first week of the campaign, the traffic police said they had received a total of 379 reports, with 82 eventually confirmed.