Delhi cops seek celeb help to create traffic awareness

In an ambitious and innovative project to create awareness about traffic rules before the Commonwealth Games 2010, Delhi Police are planning to rope in celebrities.

Those on police radar are Akshay Kumar, Virender Sehwag, Shah Rukh Khan and Gautam Gambhir. All four belong to Delhi and have been participating in social events in the capital.

“We want to invite celebrities who have a huge fan following, so that people listen to them when they talk on subjects such as drunken driving and traffic rules. These stars will ask people to use the public transport system and carpool,” Ajay Chadha, special commissioner for traffic, said.

Apart from film stars and cricketers, police plan to invite musicians, singers, theatre personalities and people from the fashion fraternity to join hands in solving Delhi’s traffic problems before the Games.

This is the first time that Delhi Police are planning to take celebrity help. “Since we don’t have a huge budget, we expect actors and cricketers not to charge money for this project. It is a noble cause and I am sure celebrities will come forward to help,” he said.

Apart from asking people to maintain lane discipline, celebrities will ask drivers to make way for ambulances, fire tenders and police vans.

Delhi Police said the special drive was likely to start in June and would continue till October.