Starting today, local residents can make a little extra money by snitching of traffic violators in the city, police announced over the weekend.

Traffic police said anyone who comes forward with photos or video of a traffic violation will be eligible for a reward of 20 yuan (US$2.41) for each confirmed infraction. Police say each informant will be allowed to earn up to 1,000 yuan a month.

Traffic police say they will open up one service window at their office on Wenshui Road E. every workday morning and afternoon to receive tips.

They won't pay out rewards for photos of just any traffic violation. They want proof of "sudden" offenses, not static infractions. That means a picture of an illegally parked car won't earn a reward, police said.

Pictures or video of a car driving the wrong way down a one-way street or running a red light is more along the lines of what the cops are looking for.

Informants must register with the police while providing their first tip and payments will be given out on a monthly basis, not at the time the tips are offered, police said.

They also said in order to be eligible for the cash reward, all tips must be provided in person, not sent in by mail or e-mail.

Photographs and video must be submitted to the police within 15 days of the infraction.

Those seeking more information about the reward program can call the traffic police at 6517-1354 or 6516-8168 ext. 54590.

Authorities said they expected the new practice to greatly aid local traffic police.

(Shanghai Daily August 2, 2004)