In a bid to tame rogue commercial vehicle drivers, Delhi’s Transport Department, in coordination with Delhi Traffic Police (DTP) has confiscated more than 500 commercial vehicles under a newly implemented policy against the drivers indulging in repeated offences. The policy was conceived after the December 16 gang-rape case, and was implemented in March this year.
As per the policy, an extensive record of offences committed by commercials vehicle drivers will be maintained by Traffic Police Department so that severe action can be taken against drivers booked in multiple offences. State Transport Authority (STA) would cancel the driving licence and seize vehicle up to one year, if a particular driver has committed an offence at least three times in a year. However, around 500 vehicles has been impounded from March 1 to May 25, which include 169 truck drivers, 56 bus drivers, 107 auto drivers, and 9 delivery vans, and among others. Out all these vehicles, approximately 45 vehicles have been suspended for one year.
“Now that the e-challan system has become functional, it is easier for us to maintain a database on repeat offenders. Our duty is to issue the challan and share the details with Transport Department. This policy is a positive step to decrease the number of cases involved in more than two serious offences… It will bring rash drivers to the book,” said Anil Shukla, Joint Commissioner of Police (Traffic). In this year about 34 drivers has been booked in repeated drink driving cases, the vehicles of these drivers has been impounded for a year and their driving licences been cancelled by the enforcement agencies. Moreover, around 200 transport autos were caught plying without valid permits and fitness certificates.
“In case of permit violation or fitness certificate, vehicles would be fined and impounded for at least one month. The vehicles will only be released when the owner gets the permit renewed. If he fails to do so, the vehicle will remain impounded indefinitely,” said a Transport Department official.