Traffic policemen are turning photographers in the capital in a bid to to prove that vehicles towed away by them were parked illegally or obstructing vehicular flow.

Delhi Police is also asking operators to install GPS systems on the cranes which will help in locating a particular crane and deploy it accordingly.

A senior police official said the traffic personnel deployed on vehicles meant for towing away vehicles will be asked to take photographs of every vehicle towed as proof for justification of its removal from the location.

"The photograph will clearly show the registration number of the vehicle and the description of the location. If somebody questions it, the photograph will be used as evidence for the same," the officer said.

This measure will help to ensure that only those vehicles parked in improper and obstructive manner will be towed away, he said.

"Only under the instruction of traffic personnel, towing activity can be done. The crane operator under no circumstances shall exercise this independently.

"The operator shall not tow vehicles which are not parked obstructively with the motive to maximise his profits," the officer said.

The city police has recently floated a tender for hiring 96 towing vehicles -- 56 having 1-2 tonne capacity and 40 having 1.4-2.3 tonne capacity.

It has also asked contractors to ensure that no damage is done to the vehicle which are being towed away.

"Majority of the complaints are made in respect of damage to bumper of cars, especially those of luxury cars.

The contractor should use rubber tyres during towing process and exercise precautions to prevent damage while it is being towed away," the official said.

In the event of any damage caused to private vehicles while towing, the officer said, the owner of the crane "must reach the site of occurrence or traffic circle office immediately to settle the issue.

"The claim against damage, if any, caused to the vehicle during the process of towing will have to be compensated by the contractor," the officer said, adding these clauses were incorporated in the tender.

"Traffic Police will not be responsible in any manner for any damage caused to the vehicle or claim sought by the vehicle owners in consequence to the towing activity," he said.