Mangaluru: City Police Commissioner T.R. Suresh on Friday exhorted the younger generation in the city to join hands with police as traffic wardens to streamline the ever-increasing vehicular traffic.

He was speaking after felicitating members of Mangaluru Traffic Warden Squad, who have been lending their help to the police in managing the traffic since 2015.

Squad members, under Chief Traffic Warden Joe Gonsalvens, have been assisting the traffic police in managing traffic during morning, afternoon and evening peak hours.

Mr. Suresh said though the number of traffic police stations has been increased from three to four, police find it is difficult to manage the ever-increasing number of vehicles.

Over 6.5 lakh vehicles are registered and kept for use in Mangaluru and Bantwal taluks. Added to these, hundreds of vehicles from neighbouring Kerala enter Mangaluru regularly.

In such a situation, police always appreciate helping hands, Mr. Suresh said and urged the youth to join this honorary service. Traffic wardens are not paid by the department.

On the occasion, the 11 traffic wardens of the city were felicitated and also provided cash award given by Dubai- based entrepreneur Michael D’Souza in appreciation of their service.

Speaking on the occasion, traffic engineering architect Praveenchandra Shetty said Mangaluru City faces unique traffic issues on two counts — narrow roads and diversion of underground parking space for other purposes.

Consequently, pressure on the traffic police is always high, he said. He would be always available to the police to find out solutions, Mr. Shetty added.