Traffic Police intensify enforcement in city
The Delhi Traffic Police have stepped up enforcement across the city, booking 226 motorists for drunk driving in a single day during special checks conducted on Friday. The intensified drive is aimed at preventing accidents during the New Year celebrations, when late-night traffic and party-related movement increase sharply.
According to police data, integrated checking drives were carried out on December 27 at multiple locations across the capital. Apart from drunken driving, police also targeted dangerous and risky violations.
As many as 2,194 challans were issued for riding without helmets, 1,941 for wrong-side driving, and 266 for triple riding. Another 86 motorists were booked for dangerous driving, while 45 vehicles were challaned for tinted glass violations.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic, Zone-I) Monika Bhardwaj said the department has adopted a zero-tolerance approach ahead of New Year’s Eve. “Drunken driving is one of the biggest causes of fatal accidents during celebrations. We have intensified checks across Delhi to ensure people follow rules and return home safely,” she said.
Traffic police also relied heavily on technology to enforce compliance. Using Overspeed Violation Detection (OSVD) and Red-Light Violation Detection (RLVD) cameras, officers issued 13,833 e-challans for overspeeding and 5,394 for jumping red lights on Friday alone. Officials said automated enforcement helps cover wider areas and reduces the scope for violations going unnoticed.
Senior officers said the special drive is part of a larger preparedness plan for December 31. Traffic volume is expected to rise sharply on major roads, near party hotspots, malls, restaurants and public entertainment zones. Police have identified vulnerable stretches and accident-prone junctions for special monitoring.
As part of the plan, additional traffic personnel have been deployed across the city. Multiple integrated checkpoints have been set up at strategic locations, especially near bars, clubs and banquet halls. Breath analysers and other modern enforcement equipment are being used extensively to detect drunken driving.
Police are also working closely with district police units and PCR teams to manage law and order and respond quickly to emergencies. Continuous night patrolling has been planned, with real-time monitoring through traffic control rooms.
Officials said enforcement teams are being personally supervised by senior officers to ensure visibility and effectiveness on the ground. “The idea is deterrence. When people see strict checks, they think twice before violating rules,” a traffic officer said.
Delhi Traffic Police have appealed to citizens to celebrate responsibly. “Driving under the influence not only attracts strict legal action but also puts lives at risk,” Bhardwaj said.
She urged people attending New Year parties to use public transport, app-based cabs or designated drivers instead of getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Road safety experts say such drives are crucial during festive periods. New Year’s Eve sees a spike in accidents due to speeding and alcohol.
Police said enforcement will remain tight through New Year’s Eve and into the early hours of January 1. Surprise checks may also be conducted in residential and commercial areas to prevent reckless driving late at night. Delhi Traffic Police said their priority is to ensure smooth traffic flow and minimise accidents during the celebrations. “We want people to welcome the New Year safely. Cooperation from the public is key,” an officer said.
Authorities have warned that violators will face strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act. Repeat offenders may also face licence suspension or prosecution.
