The traffic police has fined more than 12,000 people for drunk driving from January 1 till June 30, an almost 27 per cent increase over the corresponding period of the previous year, officials said on Saturday.

The highest number of fines, 770, were issued in the Rajouri Garden Circle area, followed by 514 in the Samaypur Badli Circle area, data showed.

From January 1 till June 30, police have fined 12,468 people for drunk driving, compared to 9,837 during the same period last year. This is an almost 27 per cent increase in prosecutions, the traffic police said.

Besides Rajouri Garden and Samaypur Badli, the Rohini (441), Punjabi Bagh (387), Mehrauli (367), Mayur Vihar (364), Narela Circle (364), Kalkaji (344), Karol Bagh (342) and the Sadar Bazar (342) circles were among the areas that reported a high number of cases of drunk driving, the data showed.

The circle area-wise analysis of number of violations, police said, will allow targeted enforcement efforts to improve road safety and compliance of laws. They said its enforcement measures to prevent drunk driving include increased checking and breathalyser tests.

Driving under the influence of alcohol poses a grave risk not only to the driver but also to passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.

“It impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and increases the likelihood of accidents causing injuries or fatalities. The consequences of such irresponsible behaviour can be devastating and irreparable. In response to this concerning surge in cases, the Delhi Traffic Police have intensified their efforts to crack down on drunken driving. Strict enforcement measures, including increased checks and breathalyzer tests, are being implemented to deter individuals from engaging in this hazardous behavior,” Delhi police said.