If you thought you could ignore helmet safety because you are riding pillion, think again as on Thursday a drive was carried out to check on pillion-riders without helmets across the capital city. One hour vigilance drive was conducted by the traffic cops at 40 distinct places in which around 158 people were slammed Rs90 the fine without helmet. A total of Rs18,000 was fined from traffic rule violators in the city.
Taking a leaf out of Bollywood blockbuster Munnabhai MBBS, the capital’s traffic police department earlier decided to spare the rod for a change and embark on the path of Gandhigiri to coax traffic rule breakers to give up their dangerous driving ways and drive along the straight and staid path. But from Monday onwards rule-breakers will be fined on the spot. Vehicles parking on white lines along the road will be slapped a fine of Rs540. While without permit vehicles will have to pay a handsome amount of Rs2000 to Rs5000 and Ranchiites without driving license will reimburse Rs500 respectively. If the same vehicle is again caught repeating the offence, the fine will be doubled.
Traffic SP Rajiv Ranjan said, “We are observing this week as appeal week and every day, we are trying to spread a message among people. Today and tomorrow we shall request people not to stop anywhere along the road to buy something from vendors and not to play loud music while driving. On Saturday, all appeals will be reminded to them.”
But for those who don’t put the brakes on their rule breaking ways even after being appealed, tougher times are around the corner. As the department will also crack down whip on cellphone usage while driving, those indulging in triple riding and overtaking from the wrong side.
Traffic S.P further added, “Those found offering flimsy excuses after flouting the rules and misbehaving with the traffic cops will have cases booked against them.”
Around 27 autos plying without permits during the ongoing “appeal” drive have been caught on Thursday. By the end of the week special motorcycle squad constituting 25 assistant sub-inspectors (ASIs) will be formed. “The squad will move around the city and will have the authority to cuff on-the-spot fines on lawbreaker,” Ranjan added.
This drive has boomed the business of helmet dealers in the city. Auto Agencies owner Ajay Shakuja said, “The sales have enhanced up to 30 per cent and I want to make it clear that there is no shortage of helmets’ across the city. We have ample quantity of best brands like Studs, Sonic, Wego and Argo with Indian Standards Institute mark both available for men and women.” Small kiosks near the roadside are also doing a brisk business these days.