Residents can check the background of second-hand vehicles they wish to buy by sending text messages to two numbers introduced on Friday.
Police introduced the numbers that would provide motorists the status of such vehicles. The police are also creating a database that would have information on all the vehicles plying in Patna.
Traffic superintendent of police Rajeev Mishra said: “At present, a database is being prepared for Patna to keep tabs on stolen vehicles. With much of the information already keyed in, the (text messaging) service has been given a green light. The two numbers on which text messages can be sent for information are 9223166166 and 51969. Information on the make, owner’s name, registration, engine and chassis numbers would be sent over the SMS.”
To get information on the second-hand vehicles, residents would have to type BH, space, VIS, space and the engine number, registration number or chassis number of the vehicle. Mishra said: “People should type just one of these to get the requisite information. The reply message would provide the recipient every detail on the vehicle.”
Patna has a big market for the sale and purchase of second-hand vehicles, in areas like Boring Road.