The State Government has released a Government order on the utilisation of 75 per cent of total amount collected in the form of traffic violation penalties for traffic related works by the police department. State DGP BS Sidhu said that traffic congestion is being experienced on some roads due to improperly placed electricity poles along the road. This fund will help department improve traffic situation.
DGP Sidhu said that the police collect significant amount in the form of penalties from traffic rules violators during vehicle checking drives conducted against tinted glasses, overloading, drunken driving, improper parking, riders without helmets, vehicles without number plates and other traffic violations in the State. On an average, the police department collects about `four crore annually in penalties for traffic violations from all the districts of the state. After release of GO, the 75 per cent of total amount collected in penalties for traffic violations will be used on traffic related works in the State, he added.
He further said that roads of the city have not been widened but there has been rapid increase in number of four wheelers and two wheelers in the State capital. Moreover, Uttarakhand being a tourist spot, large numbers of visitors come here daily. “We have decided to take several measures including facilitation of space and prevention of encroachments to improve traffic situation in the state capital and other parts of the State,” he added.
Steps will be taken to remove improperly placed electricity poles and alternatives like underground wires will be planned in consultation with the department concerned for ensuring smooth flow of traffic there. CCTV cameras will be installed to monitor busy roads in the State. This fund will be utilised for moving electricity poles and making alternatives for it.