Google Maps location in Chennai warns motorists of police checkpoints

A user on Google Maps marked a popular Chennai police checkpoint to alert commuters to the presence of officers. The post got more than 260,000 views in a short period of time and witty comments

Google Maps
Google Maps. Photo: Reuters
Sonika Nitin Nimje New Delhi
2 min read Last Updated : Jul 24 2024 | 7:41 PM IST
In Chennai, an innovative utilization of technology has emerged as a way for commuters to keep track of traffic police checkpoints. A user on Google Maps has marked a police checkpoint near Phoenix Mall to let motorists know that there are police officers there. The area tag, written in Tamil, means "Police are there, wear a helmet," serving as an alert for drivers to comply with traffic rules. 
After a screenshot of the location tag was shared on the social media platform X, this novel strategy for raising community awareness received a lot of attention. The post quickly got more than 260,000 views and got a lot of funny and nice comments.

 

Netizens reactions on Google Maps in Chennai warns motorists 

One user wrote, "Never lose faith in the kindness of strangers." "A true social service," another added.
One user said, "Wearing a #Helmet is not to satisfy any traffic police or just another compliance to #MotorVehiclesAct. It is to safeguard your precious life. @ChennaiTraffic is doing their best to create an awareness to have #SafeRoads in #Chennai and let us assist them in the same."
Earlier, Bengaluru experienced a similar scenario this month. A Google Maps screenshot from the city, shared on X, showed an area label cautioning of a police presence. The tag in Kannada, translated to "Police will be there, watch and go."

What is Google maps?

Google Maps is a web service that gives elaborated information about geographical areas and destinations around the world. Google Maps offers aerial and satellite views of many locations in addition to traditional road maps. Google Maps also provides street views that include images taken from vehicles in some cities.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

Topics :Google maps IndiaGoogle MapsChennai

First Published: Jul 24 2024 | 7:41 PM IST

Next Story