Gurgaon, June 5 (IANS): The Haryana government has approved a 'Road Safety Fund', allowing police to spend 50 percent of the amount collected through fines for strengthening road safety, a senior officer said here on Friday.

The fund will now be used to strengthen road safety, sensitize people regarding traffic rules, purchase modern equipment to control and direct traffic and provide immediate help in case of road accidents.

Joint commissioner of police (traffic) Bharti Arora had sought permission to use a part of the money in the wider public interest and strengthen road safety.

"To control and maintain smooth flow of traffic in a global city like Gurgaon, such a fund was needed. People must learn traffic sense to ensure safety of self and others on the road while travelling," a senior traffic police officer said.

A seven-member committee has been constituted for this purpose.

The Gurgaon traffic police had collected nearly Rs five crore by issuing challans to vehicle owners for violating traffic rules last year.