During a special five-day drive conducted by Delhi Traffic Police, a total of 456 minors have been booked for underage driving on Delhi roads. Overall, a total of 1,075 minors have been booked in just four months this year, which is more than three times the number of challans issued in the whole of 2014. The five-day drive, which was carried out by Traffic Police between April 29 and May 3, was aimed at deterring minors from driving motor vehicles, which is forbidden under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
Out of the 456 challans issued to minors, two were for those driving cars while 449 were for riding a two-wheeler. Five were marked as others. Underage driving is a serious problem in Delhi as many schoolgoing children often drive to school in two-wheelers (Scootys as well as motorbikes), and sometimes driving cars, endangering their lives as well as that of others.
According to Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Muktesh Chander, often the parents also encourage their kids to drive their vehicles despite it being against the law. “If not encourage them, they don’t stop them at least. So we have been trying to coordinate with the schools as well to deter minors from driving vehicles,” said Muktesh Chander. While last year 356 challans were issued for underage driving, a total of 1,075 challans have been issued in just over four months this year, showing the increased resolve of the Traffic Police to deal with this grave issue.