Nearly 8,500 traffic rule violations reported by e-commerce delivery workers in Chennai

GCTP has seen a significant increase in the gig economy in Chennai post-pandemic; there are now between 40,000 and 60,000 delivery workers working across platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, BigBasket, Blinkit, Dunzo, and Amazon.

With nearly 8,500 violations reported by e-commerce vendors this year, the Chennai Regional Traffic Police (GCTP) on Saturday organised a campaign to raise awareness on the issue.

GCTP has seen a significant rise in the gig economy in Chennai post-pandemic, with 40,000-60,000 delivery workers now working on platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, BigBasket, Blinkit, Dunzo and Amazon. Most of these workers, mostly young men aged 18-30, work part-time or flexibly.

The GCTP’s Zero Accident Day (ZAD) initiatives aim to balance the demands of this growing gig economy with the need for safe traffic conditions. A recent GCTP study found frequent violations of traffic rules among delivery personnel, such as speeding, jumping signals and not adhering to helmet rules, especially during peak hours, said Additional Commissioner of Police, Traffic R. Sudhakar. This underscored the importance of raising awareness among them to ensure safer roads, he added.

GCTP announced a series of impactful internal and external activities as part of its Zero Accident Day (ZAD) awareness plan aimed at delivery personnel. The event included a seminar for 100-200 delivery agents focused on road safety, supported by accident footage and a talk on vehicle maintenance.